Improving Productivity in Ventilation and Plumbing Installations by Developing Designs

Quality of designs is one of the most important factors impacting the productivity of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Previous research does not investigate problems with design in detail. This research aimed to identify design aspects where additional investments in design would increase productivity in installation. For this purpose, we selected three construction sites to identify deviations from designs, and interview installers on identified deviations and buildability in general. Observed deviations were divided into three main categories based on the cause of deviation: insufficient space reservations, missing model components, and buildability. Based on our findings we suggest five methods for developing designing: 1. BIM should be used in designing. 2. BIM coordination should include the assessment of buildability. 3. Better use of BIM requires high level of detail and high accuracy in all design models. 4. Contractors knowledge on buildability, schedule, and order of installation should be utilized in designing. 5. Optimizing material cost should be part of designing.