Identifying Impact Factors of MEP Installation Productivity: An Empirical Study

Abstract

BIM-based coordination facilitates the discovery of potential pipeline design and construction conflicts. However, the impact of BIM on-field productivity of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) installation is unclear because of lacking identification of influencing factors. To fill this research gap, an extensive literature review and quantitative analysis are conducted to identify MEP installation productivity’s impact factors. The identified 24 impact factors are categorized into four primary categories: organizational, management, technical, and personnel. A questionnaire is then designed to measure the impact significance, and the feedback is analyzed through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. This paper finds that: (1) organizational management and control at the macro-level impact productivity more than specific technology and operation during the MEP installation; (2) the key factors affecting productivity are project delivery method, contract mode, and quality control (rework). Accordingly, strategies and suggestions are put forward to encourage and implement productive BIM adoption.