Case Study: Off-site manufacturing of EIFS Panelized Wall Assemblies to Gain Efficiency in Construction Sequencing

Abstract

This paper examines the process of constructing modular EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) panelized wall assemblies in a manufacturing environment. The research observed the preparation required, manufacturing procedures applied, measured task times at dedicated work stations and identified bottlenecks that factor into the comprehensive approach to planning and building the exterior envelope off-site. The paper summarizes the results of 70,000 SF of EIFS panels manufactured over 70 days in a 110,000 SF facility located in Tempe, AZ. The benefits (quality control, safety, labour efficiency) and challenges (transportation, hoisting, and cost) in relationship to the traditional construction requirements for in-place EIFS systems is also analysed in this paper.