PRECAST CONCRETE APPLICATION AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT OF PRE-CAST CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION IN VIETNAM

By

To Thanh Huyen

Abstract

Precast concrete method is special method that brings a lot of benefit to construction such as lower project cost, better quality control, faster installation on site, and lesser wastes and resource. However, precast concrete method application requires a higher level of building logistics because precast components are high volume components but precast logistics management has been limited application in Vietnam. That is the reason why precast method has not widely applied yet in construction in Vietnam.

This work presents the precast logistics management model developed from the beginning of project until finished construction work in Vietnam. The logistics management is assessed based on the data and information collected from two case studies which are precast building project and on site casted concrete building project. Then, the critical logistics activities, the logistics efficiencies and problems, also strengths and weaknesses are identified. Finally, base on the assessment results, recommendations for improving the logistics performances in precast construction are proposed.

The results of this study found that the precast logistics management chain in construction starts from the feasibility study of project. The investor’s construction method decision in feasibility study affects to the whole precast logistics chain. In order to get the maximum benefits from the precast advantages, the precast application should be considered from the beginning of project, in the feasibility study.

Executive summary

Rationale of research

This research has been conducted to understand issues relating to precast concrete usage and transportation issues.

Objectives of study 

To develop the precast concrete supply logistics management model applicable for Vietnam building project and to assess the precast concrete application and logistics arrangement in precast concrete construction projects. So that strength and weakness can be identified.

To propose recommendation for logistics management model in order to improve logistics performance in precast concrete construction site

Methodology

This research adopts qualitative research method with case study approach that is “in – depth study of one or more examples that represent a particular phenomenon or theme”. The goal of case study is provide an accurate and complete description of the case. The focus of the case – study approach is on individuality and describing the individual as comprehensively as possible

Findings and conclusion

The study focuses on precast concrete application and logistics management issue in precast concrete construction from the beginning of project when precast concrete method should be applied until the precast building is completed. The data is collected from high-rise building project in Hanoi area, the capital of Vietnam.

The first objective of study is to develop the precast concrete supply logistics management model which is applying in Vietnam building project. This model have been found base on theoretical and verification of experts in Hanoi area. In this model, the investor signs the separate contracts with each other party who are designer, contractor and precast supplier.

The second objective of study is to assess the precast application and logistics arrangement in precast/preassembly construction project, so that strength and weakness can be identified. In order to achieve this objective, the collected data from 2 case studies were analyzed. According to result of data analysis, precast application and precast logistics management brings a lot of efficiencies in reduction of project time, cost and improvement of project quality. However, because of the consequences of precast logistics management problems which are coming from most of project phases, the precast logistics management has not really been the function responsible for purchasing the best quality of materials at the lowest price with the necessary service.