Problems of Prefabricated Steel Structure from Design to Construction; Case Study of Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to identify problems in the steel fabrication production process from real project-based case studies in each of the processes, from design to construction. This research uses a mixed methodology, starting with qualitative data collection from semi-structured interviews with experienced experts from four companies that are currently operating in the field of steel fabrication construction. The identified problems will be analyzed and developed into Fishbone diagrams. The second stage of quantitative data collection was a closed-ended questionnaire gathered from 152 experienced experts involved in the process of steel fabrication production to rate the severity of the problems. The result found that there are five major processes of steel fabrication production, which are design and drawing, materials, production, transportation, and erection process. From the data collection and analysis, there were 31 problems with a high severity of risk (red zone), which should be urgently addressed. Six problems in the design and drawing process result from the delay of design and limited time. Three material problems, most likely due to substandard steel and price; eight production problems caused by cutting and welding, two transportation problems caused by packing of workpieces and safety, and twelve erection problems caused by workpieces, reinforced concrete structures, work areas, and mobile crane and tower crane machinery.