Innovative approach to repetitive tasks

Abstract

Current societal and construction challenges, combined with limited time and the scarcity of people and resources, require solutions in the construction industry. This research focuses on repetitive tasks and contributes to that. Furthermore, this research is necessary because the literature on repetitive tasks is limited and needs to be supplemented. The research objective was to increase the understanding and knowledge of the design elements aimed at exploiting the potential of repetitive tasks in assignments where public clients and contractors collaborate. Based on the literature review, repetitive tasks and associated potential were defined and a theoretical framework was established. The empirical research consists of studying three cases, the programmes WL, IPS Schoolgebouwen and WOUW, using case documents and eighteen interviews conducted with public clients and contractors. This provided a picture of repetitive tasks in different construction sectors (residential, utility and infrastructure construction) and at different phases of the asset life cycle (new construction, maintenance and renovation). Separate analysis of the three cases, combined with cross case analysis and the established theoretical framework, then formed the basis for the "Innovative approach to repetitive tasks" framework. Through an "innovative approach to repetitive tasks", consisting of a cross-project inventory of repetitive tasks and the application of the design elements and advices proposed in the “Innovative approach to repetitive tasks” framework, the forces of the public client and the contractors are combined and the potential of repetitive tasks is unlocked.