Low productivity remains one of the most pressing challenges in the construction industry. The presence of industrialized building systems (IBS) has been promoted as a solution to mitigate issues associated with conventional construction (CC), such as reliance on low-skilled labor, project delays, and inconsistent quality. However, the 2024 productivity report indicates fluctuating growth in the construction sector, suggesting that IBS has yet to reach its full potential, particularly due to persistent labor-related issues. Therefore, improving productivity has become a priority, as it represents the efficiency and effectiveness of the task given. Thus, identifying factors specifically in reinforcement work processes that affect productivity and justifying whether CCs are being replicated within IBS production are the aims of this study. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, with data collected through structured questionnaires distributed to construction personnel involved in both IBS and CC. A total of 42 valid responses were obtained. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to identify and rank importance factors affecting productivity based on mean scores. Findings reveal that, although the reinforcement work sequences are broadly accepted across both systems, several process similarities remain evident. In IBS, the top five factors affecting productivity were machine availability, crane size, material availability, work experience, and laborer skill in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Unlike CC, the highest-ranked factor was crane size, followed by machine availability, labor skill, and worker experience. Despite the fundamental differences between IBS and CC, the reinforcement processes remain largely unchanged, indicating a significant replication in construction practices. These results suggest that CC methods persist within IBS, potentially constraining its intended productivity gains. Therefore, to fully capitalize on the benefits of IBS, it is essential to reduce reliance on manual processes and promote the integration of automated systems. Streamlining reinforcement activities through automation may provide a viable path toward sustained productivity improvements in the construction industry.
A Mon, study studied this question.