Case Record – Prefabrication at University of Hertfordshire

Details:

Date: Business Group: Contract:	2003 Carillion Health University of Hertfordshire
Issue Prefabrication is being applied in new ways in the construction industry and at University of Hertfordshire it was suggested for use in the residential development. However, questions remain as to whether it fits with the sustainability principles as well as being a cheaper more manageable option.

Solution

A full report was commissioned into the impacts of using prefabricated/pre-cast solutions.
These were the main findings:

When comparing the traditional option costs with the pre-cast option costs for University of Hertfordshire, it can be seen that the pre-cast solution costs approximately £250,000 more, however this cost difference is less than 5% of the value of the package, which is acceptable and minimal when other soft issues are taken into account:

• Client satisfaction – by using the pre-cast solution it ensured that the project was completed by the required time and the students were able to move in at the beginning of the academic year. The impact on programme was therefore clearly a greater saving than the 6 weeks preliminary cost savings, as timing was vital to the client.
• Defects – the end product is more robust than the traditional option would have been. There is greater repetition (standardisation) and less defects for correction. The pre-cast solution is also more airtight.
• Predictability – by using the pre-cast solution the cost and time were far more predictable having a controlled factory environment as opposed to the traditional on site construction where difficulties are less predictable. As a result a better quality end product was achieved.
• Health and Safety – as a result of using the pre-cast solution fewer workers were required on site, making the operation safer. In addition a safer working environment is achievable in the factory environment. Less people were at risk from building activity particularly the risks associated with working at height and lifting on a construction site.
• Environment – a reduced impact on the environment was achieved due to less waste being produced in the factory and less packaging material being transported to site. This has led to less waste being sent to landfill. In addition fewer vehicle movements have been required to site and around site.
• Community – a reduced impact on the community has been achieved through a shorter construction period and reduced vehicle movements meaning less traffic congestion, dust and noise. By reduced waste to landfill a reduction in the demand for new sites to be built has been generated

Business Benefits:

• As above, prefabrication shows improvements in the key principles of sustainability (economics, environment, social issues)