Constructability assessment of social housing projects in Brazil

a quantitative benchmarking system

Abstract

Social Housing Projects (HIS) are essential for reducing Brazil’s housing deficit. However, constructability problems can undermine the efficiency achieved in those projects, negatively affecting the purpose of having low cost. One approach for reducing constructability issues is to use constructability assessment systems (CAS). Existing CAS lack data that allow for setting goals, or even studies that provide an overview of constructability in HIS in each country. Thus, the aim of this research study is to develop a quantitative benchmarking constructability system for HIS.  This study was based on data from 394 projects. The development of this quantitative benchmarking system pointed out the potential for improving constructability in those projects, by adopting different measures, such as the use of BIM, changing construction processes, and achieving appropriate levels of standardization. This system can support companies that wish to improve the constructability in HIS projects, by reducing the bias of evaluating only their own data, or Brazilian HIS financial institutions. This benchmarking system represents a theoretical-practical advance in the knowledge about constructability, given that similar studies are limited or non-existent in other countries.