Evaluating Factors Affecting Construction Labor Productivity in Mass Timber Building Projects

Abstract

Mass timber is a sustainable building material that is gaining popularity in the US construction industry as an alternative to the conventional materials such as concrete and steel. The increasing number of mass timber projects indicates the ongoing recognition of its benefits including its structural performance, faster construction time, environmental sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. However, despite its advantages, the factors influencing construction labor productivity (CLP) in mass timber projects have not been investigated. This research aims to identify and evaluate factors affecting CLP in mass timber construction from the perspective of construction professionals in the U.S. Understanding the factors affecting productivity helps construction practitioners and researchers to enhance efficiency of projects, which in turn positively influence the construction productivity growth. To achieve the aim of this research, a literature review was conducted to identify factors affecting CLP, followed by a survey questionnaire that was distributed to construction professionals in the US construction industry to evaluate the identified factors and determine their influence on labor productivity in mass timber projects. The survey results were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the factors based on their importance. The study revealed that the degree of collaboration and communication among project parties is the most important factor influencing CLP in mass timber projects. Other important factors include the adequacy of planning and risk management, competency in labor supervision and management, design complexity, assembly system, and the need for specialized skills and training. The study also identified several challenges perceived by professionals in achieving high labor productivity including coordination and planning issues, training and experience, material and logistical challenges, design challenges, adoption of mass timber, and environmental issues. Additionally, the study identified current practices and provided recommendations for enhancing mass timber productivity. The results of this research will contribute to the construction industry by highlighting areas that need improvement to achieve better project outcomes. By addressing these factors and challenges, construction practitioners can enhance labor productivity, reduce project timelines, and improve overall project efficiency in mass timber construction. This research offers valuable insights for the current construction industry and establishes a foundation for future advancements in adopting mass timber as a mainstream building material in the U.S. construction industry.