Development of a fast and effective solution for on-site building envelope installation

Abstract

Purpose: building cladding installation process is one of the most important tasks in the construction phase. This paper will focus on the development of a fast and effective method for assembly precast concrete exterior wall panel in high-rise building. The existing method can be described as inefficient, time consuming, expensive and labor intensive. There are various parameters has to take in to consideration when planning and execute the precast concrete wall panel installation task. For instance the size, orientation, weight of the panel, then the ground and weather condition of the site yet the transportation sequence of the panel all need to be carefully planned to ensure smooth operation on-site. Method: the proposed method will investigate the existing procedure from the following aspects; designing, logistical, assembly and management and then provide an alternative lean construction method. The proposed approach will introduce an innovative installation technology that consists of a ground level loading bay, vertical transportation system, positioning system and intergraded management system. The innovative solution requires minimal alteration of an existing constriction tower crane hence with less additional changes of on-site equipments the cost of such system will remain affordable. Results & Discussion: the proposed solution will impose a fast and effective installation method for installing precast concrete panel in highrise building. It requires further implementation and pilot project in the future to verify the effectiveness and practicality of the system under on-site operation.