| dc.description.abstract | The study assessed the feasibility of employing prefabricated construction techniques on a larger scale in Uganda’s Construction Industry. The assessment was made based on methods of prefabrication applied, impact of applying prefab in construction, barriers to its implementation and possible solutions to the barriers. Using primary data based on a sample of 65 target professionals in various construction firms and companies. A cross-section survey design was adopted where data was obtained from respondents using questionnaires.
The analysis was made using Microsoft Excel Programs based on 48 records of employees out of the 65 target sample. It involved the use of frequency distribution and computation of RSI. The study examined the methods of prefabrication applied, the materials used, the types of buildings in which prefab is applied, the parts of buildings, the impacts of employing prefab techniques and the barriers to the implementation of prefabricated construction techniques. It also examined the possible solutions to the barriers.
The results showed that prefabricated construction techniques are commonly applied in construction of commercial buildings and the method commonly used is panelised prefabrication. The results also showed that prefabricated components are usually used on walling and the roof part of the structure.
In the results, a higher average index of 3.03 obtained shows an overall positive impact of using prefabricated construction techniques as compared to the negative impacts with an average index of 2.87. The research further showed that time saving, uniformity of components, better quality control and reduction in defective works are the greatest positive impacts of using prefab systems. Whereas, high cost of procurement, need for highly skilled labour and highly specialized machinery, and difficulty of constructing on a hilly terrain are the greatest negative impacts of applying prefabricated construction methods. The results further reveal that rigidity of culture, insufficient sensitization and inadequate manufacturing facilities are the greatest barriers to implementation of prefabricated construction techniques in Uganda.
Despite the barriers, a high average index for positive impacts indicates that there is need for prefabrication in the Ugandan construction industry and so this study greatly recommends these techniques as a way of solving some of the problems plaguing the construction process. | en_US |
