Projects that go well and leave satisfied clients and contractors are based on thorough planning and design. However, there are many factors to consider in order to achieve a successful outcome. These include the implementation of guidance on fair practice, better management and improved techniques.

This book focuses on the implementation of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the construction industry as a tool to help building designers arrive at optimal decisions for external envelope systems with sustainable and buildable design goals. In particular, the book integrates special features into the conventional QFD tool to enhance its performance. These features include a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making method, fuzzy consensus scheme, and Knowledge Management System (KMS). This integration results in a more robust decision support tool, known as the Knowledge-based Decision Support System QFD (KBDSS-QFD) tool. As an example, the KBDSS-QFD tool is used for the assessment of building envelope materials and designs for high-rise residential buildings in Singapore in the early design stage. The book provides the reader with a conceptual framework for understanding the development of the KBDSS-QFD tool. The framework is presented in a generalized form in order to benefit building professionals, decision makers, analysts, academics and researchers, who can use the findings as guiding principles to achieve optimal solutions and boost efficiency.

This new edition of John Illingworth's popular book provides a thorough introduction to the selection of construction methods, their planning and organization on site. Thoroughly revised and updated, Construction Methods and Planning takes a practical, down-to-earth approach and features numerous examples and illustrations taken from real situations and sites. In Part One, the main factors which determine the planning of construction methods - site inspections, the site itself, temporary works, design, cost concepts and selection of plant and methods - are discussed. In Part Two, the application of these tools is presented, covering foundations and basements, in situ and precast concrete structures, steel frames, cladding, internal and external works, waste, methods statements, contract planning control and claims. The author provides an extension of the concept of 'buildability' and new chapters on facade retention and the refurbishment of domestic accommodation.

This guide for professionals involved at all stages of a construction project begins by defining buildability and its principles, and then shows how those principles apply to the design costing and communication methods employed by designers, and to the preparation and assembly methods used by constructors. The final section consists of two extended case studies - of a city centre commercial building and a private housing development - which show the operation of buildability in detail, at each stage of a project.

An examination of creative systems in structural and construction engineering taken from conference proceedings. Topics covered range from construction methods, safety and quality to seismic response of structural elements and soils and pavement analysis.

The design and construction of buildings is a lengthy and expensive process, and those who commission buildings are continually looking for ways to improve the efficiency of the process. In this book, the second in the Building in Value series, a broad range of topics related to the processes of design and construction are explored by an international group of experts. The overall aim of the book is to look at ways that clients can improve the value for money outcomes of their decisions to construct buildings. The book is aimed at students studying in many areas related to the construction industry including architecture, construction management, civil engineering and quantity surveying, and should also be of interest to many in the industry including project managers, property developers, building contractors and cost engineers.

Summary: This book covers five main areas: fragmentation as a problem in the construction industry; the need to appreciate that production is not an accident and has to be planned; the use of systems analysis in aiding the planning of production; the relevance of buildability models in appreciating the complexities and changing nature of production; and the problems of making effective decisions within a fragmented and complex planning environment. The book is aimed at any company or manager involved in the management of live construction projects - and particularly those which are large and complex. In particular: project managers, construction managers, project planners and contracts managers will find it of interest Contents: The fragmentation problem Production is not an accident Systems analysis for construction The limits of control Buildability models: everything, or hardly anything? How good do you need to be? Practice, practice, practice References Buildability bibliography