Awareness and prevalence of industrialized building system (IBS) in Iran

Abstract

The introduction of modern technologies and development of building systems has influenced a fundamental transformation in many aspects of construction industry. However, still in major parts of building projects, conventional methods are being used in Iran. Traditional methods cause many problems such as project prolongation, low economic efficiency, too much stuff, and low quality of products. These shortcomings are more tangible in large-scale housing projects that require a vast domain of constructions; therefore, transformation from the current conventional building systems to the industrialized building systems (IBS) is needed more than ever. In order to this transformation it is vital that first the perceptions of the industry on these issues are adequately studied in this research. According to the lack of strategic plans and effective measures to promote IBS at country level, in addition to introducing the level of awareness and familiarity to IBS technical knowledge, the prevalence of both IBS components implementation and using IBS in different type of projects in Iran conducted. A Likert based questionnaire was designed according to the level of awareness and the prevalence of IBS was evaluated applying the mean index and average ranking method. Consistent with this study, only 2% of respondents are fully familiar with IBS and approximately 95% of respondents does not have acceptable awareness of this construction method. The average index of prefabricated components prevalence in Iran is 2.72 and sandwich panel is the most prevalent IBS components by mean index of 3.42. In other side, the estimation of the mean index of IBS method prevalence in different types of projects in Iran is 2.69 and marine structures are the most prevalent project type that is performed using IBS with the mean index of 3.89. Accordingly, the results indicate that the prevalence of IBS in terms of components and types of projects is not at significant level. This research examines the key suggestions to encourage IBS usage in Iran and the mandatory use of prefabricated systems by government is the best solution for IBS promotion by mean index of 3.96. This paper provides an overview of IBS current state in Iran. Clearly, this awareness will prompt construction industry practitioners to a deeper exchange of ideas and promoting IBS in the future.