Managing interfaces between offsite and onsite construction

Discrepancies such as tolerance mismatches during the incorporation of offsite components into onsite construction can give rise to buildability problems. This results in considerable rework and subsequently causes delays and cost increases. Improving current knowledge of these discrepancies could help reduce buildability problems. One important challenge in this regard is related to effective knowledge exchange across structural and organisational boundaries in construction projects. This study explores how knowledge in these boundaries is activated and exchanged. Distributed Situation Awareness (DSA) theory, as a sociotechnical tool, was used to focus on knowledge distribution between project parties. Semi-structured interviews with construction participants managing offsite construction projects in the UK were carried out. The preliminary findings show that different trade specific standards from suppliers can give rise to tolerance mismatches. The expected contribution of the study is on practical project management insights into ways of designing and managing interfaces in offsite construction to facilitate knowledge exchange related to discrepancies.