Development of a readiness model for the application of precast concrete in housing construction: a case study in Myanmar

Abstract

Precast concrete construction has been verified that it is one of the solutions for the growth of urbanization and housing development. In addition, it helps to reduce the labor requirement and material wastage in construction. However, the use of precast concrete technology is not still popular and not widely used within the Myanmar housing construction industry. Moreover, there is no readiness assessment model encompassed the readiness of construction industry including major stakeholders who are representatives of the construction industry for accepting the new technology. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a readiness model that can assess the readiness of the construction industry for the application precast concrete. In addition, a case study for readiness assessment in Thailand and Myanmar is conducted by using the proposed model. Semi-structure interview and questionnaire surveys are applied in this study. The main contribution of the research is the development of a readiness assessment model called ‘Precast Concrete Construction Readiness Model (PCCRM)'. The PCCRM model can be applied not only for the construction industry but also for self-assessment on four major stakeholders which are Contractor, Developer, Regulator and Customer to know the readiness in the use of precast concrete construction. And the results of the case studies provide knowledge on the current situation of precast concrete application, the drivers and barriers regarding the use of precast concrete construction in Thailand and Myanmar. Moreover, application of this model will help as a guideline for stakeholders to achieve successful adoption of the technology. The type of precast concrete construction conducted in this study is specifically referred to precast load-bearing wall system and the focused projects are low rise housing projects. This study concludes that Thailand construction industry are ready and capable to adopt the precast concrete construction while Myanmar construction industry requires improvements in several areas to achieve readiness level for the adoption of precast concrete construction.