Reader Response_Improved Draft_Sun Lanxin

 Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is an innovative construction method in which fully prefabricated modules are manufactured off-site in controlled environments and assembled on-site (Building and Construction Authority, 2024). These modules come pre-fitted with electrical systems, plumbing, and interior finishes, significantly minimizing on-site labor and disruptions. PPVC is applicable to various sectors, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, and it integrates effectively with traditional construction techniques. According to Tambichik et al. (2022), PPVC reduces the construction period by approximately 35% compared to the conventional Industrialized Building System (IBS). Additional advantages include enhanced quality control, cost-effectiveness, and improved safety due to reduced on-site hazards. From an environmental perspective, PPVC also reduces material consumption, conserves energy, and lowers air and noise pollution (Aghasizadeh et al., 2022). However, its adoption faces challenges such as high initial investment, complex transportation logistics, and regulatory constraints (Liu et al., 2023).

PPVC represents a transformative advancement in modern construction by improving efficiency, sustainability, and safety while addressing key industry challenges.

One of the most significant advantages of PPVC is its ability to accelerate construction timelines, making the process more efficient. A notable example of PPVC implementation in Singapore is The Clement Canopy residential project, which achieved a 30% reduction in construction time compared to traditional methods (BCA, 2019). Similarly, Tambichik et al. (2022) conducted a comparative study of three projects—one using PPVC and two utilizing IBS—with a similar number of units. Their findings revealed that the PPVC-based project completed 35 classrooms in just 56 days, whereas the IBS-based projects required 91 and 86 days, respectively. This demonstrates that PPVC shortens the construction period by approximately 34.9%. The key factor behind this efficiency is that off-site module manufacturing eliminates weather-related delays and site constraints. Since PPVC modules arrive pre-fitted with essential components, on-site assembly is both rapid and labor-efficient. The reduced construction time not only lowers labor costs but also enables faster project completion, benefiting both developers and end users.

In addition to efficiency, PPVC aligns with global sustainability initiatives by reducing waste, optimizing material usage, and lowering energy consumption. Hong et al. (2015) analyzed the life-cycle energy consumption of PPVC construction and found that the recycling process alone contributes to a 16%–24% reduction in energy use. Moreover, additional energy savings of 4%–14% arise from waste reduction and high-quality control. Traditional construction methods often generate significant material waste due to inaccurate on-site measurements and inefficient resource management. However, a case study in China by Jiang et al. (2019) found that prefabrication can lead to a 60% reduction in steel usage, a 56% reduction in concrete consumption, and a 77% decrease in formwork waste. These findings highlight PPVC’s ability to optimize material efficiency while minimizing construction debris, making it a more sustainable alternative to conventional methods.

Another critical advantage of PPVC is its ability to improve workplace safety by relocating high-risk construction activities to controlled factory environments. The Building and Construction Authority (2024) reports that PPVC significantly reduces on-site accidents by minimizing hazardous tasks such as scaffolding work and heavy machinery operations. Traditional construction exposes workers to various risks, including falls, equipment-related injuries, and exposure to hazardous materials. In contrast, PPVC shifts most construction processes to a factory setting, where standardized safety protocols and controlled conditions mitigate these risks. By reducing accident rates, PPVC not only enhances worker well-being but also improves overall project efficiency by preventing delays caused by workplace incidents.

Despite its numerous advantages, PPVC adoption is hindered by high initial investment costs. In a survey conducted by Liu et al. (2023), industry professionals identified volatile economic and social conditions as the most significant challenge associated with PPVC implementation. The substantial upfront costs of module design, manufacturing, and transportation make it difficult for developers to secure funding and maintain cash flow, particularly during economic uncertainty. Additionally, the successful assembly and installation of prefabricated modules require a highly skilled workforce, which may not always be readily available. These financial and labor-related constraints create barriers to widespread PPVC adoption in the construction industry.

PPVC revolutionizes the construction industry by improving efficiency, promoting sustainability, and enhancing worker safety. Its ability to shorten construction timelines, reduce material waste, and create safer work environments makes it a promising alternative to traditional construction methods. However, addressing economic and logistical challenges is essential to fully unlocking its potential. Moving forward, advancements in manufacturing technology, improvements in transportation infrastructure, and supportive government policies will be crucial in facilitating the large-scale implementation of PPVC. As the construction industry continues to evolve, PPVC stands as a key innovation with the potential to redefine modern building practices.

References 

Aghasizadeh, S., Tabadkani, A., Hajirasouli, A., & Banihashemi, S. (2022). Environmental and economic performance of prefabricated construction: A review. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 97, 106897-. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2022.106897

Building and Construction Authority. (2019). Case Study - The Clement Canopy. https://www1.bca.gov.sg/buildsg/productivity/design-for-manufacturing-and-assembly-dfma/prefabricated-prefinished-volumetric-construction-ppvc/prefabricated-prefinished-volumetric-construction-case-study-the-clement-canopy

Building and Construction Authority. (2024). Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). https://www1.bca.gov.sg/buildsg/productivity/design-for-manufacturing-and-assembly-dfma/prefabricated-prefinished-volumetric-construction-ppvc/

Hong, J., Shen, G. Q., Mao, C., Li, Z., & Li, K. (2016). Life-cycle energy analysis of prefabricated building components: an input–output-based hybrid model. Journal of cleaner production, 112, 2198-2207. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652615014146#sec1

Jiang, Y., Zhao, D., Wang, D., & Xing, Y. (2019). Sustainable performance of buildings through modular prefabrication in the construction phase: A comparative study. Sustainability, 11(20), 5658. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/20/5658

Liu, Z., Hwang, B.-G., & Lim, J. M. (2023). Prefabricated and Prefinished Volumetric Construction: Assessing Implementation Status, Perceived Benefits, and Critical Risk Factors in the Singapore Built Environment Sector. Journal of Management in Engineering, 39(6). https://doi.org/10.1061/JMENEA.MEENG-5455

Tambichik, M. A., Sherliza, Z. S., & Abdullah, N. A. (2022). Comparative Study between Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) and IBS 2D: A Case Study of School Extension Project in Malaysia. IOP Conference Series. Earth and Environmental Science, 1022(1), 12016-. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1022/1/012016