Case Study on the Limitations of Prefabricated Building Technology in Ethiopian Building Industry: The Case of Addis Ababa

Abstract

Abstract

Worldwide, prefabricated method of construction (PMC) is the most practicable and effective method of construction. However, in Ethiopia it is not further growing and the construction sector depends on conventional method of construction (CMoC). On the contrary, the building construction industry in Ethiopia is increasing due to tremendous growth in population and fast urbanization. The purpose of this study was to investigate the critical causes that limit the application of prefabricated method of construction (PMC) in the country. The research was focused on prefabricated building factories found in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data was collected by interviewing respondents by using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions with professionals (project managers, prefab experts, architects and engineers in prefabricated building factories) and field observation on the factories. The secondary data were collected from the factories reports, filed documents, and other available documents (journals, books etc). The study identified top 12 major causes. Unavailability of standard and codes, shortage of well trained professionals in the sector and design problems in both architectural and structural designs are the most critical causes.

Keywords: Building, cause, method of construction, prefabrication

Cite this Article

Birhanu Muluken Tessera. Case Study on the Limitations of Prefabricated Building Technology in Ethiopian Building Industry: The case of Addis Ababa. Journal of Structural Engineering and Management. 2018; 5(1): 11–17p.