ANNUAL REPORT 2010 - Loughborough University

Background
Construction, like other engineering sectors,
is undertaken by a range of professional
disciplines. However, it is unique in its
project-based environment involving the
creation of transient multi-disciplinary teams
to deliver unique products for each client.
This presents discontinuities in both the
processes and product, and undermines
both the quality of the final product and
efficiency of delivery. The last three major
UK government reports into the efficiency of
the construction industry have fixed attention
on the importance of new ways of working
and improving the way in which project
teams are assembled and operate. The recent
report by Constructing Excellence shows that
even after ten years of initiatives and some
improvements, much remains to be done.
The group
The Construction Group within the IMCRC
includes the following internationally
recognised researchers each with a wide
range of research experience and expertise:
Prof. Simon Austin; Prof. Andrew Baldwin;
Prof. Dino Bouchlaghem; Dr Richard Buswell;
Prof. Pat Carrillo; Prof. Andrew Dainty; Prof.
Alistair Gibb; Dr Christine Pasquire; Prof.
Andrew Price; and Prof. Tony Thorpe.
Impact
Current research projects are providing
innovative new construction products
and processes. One such project is the
development and use of pre-fabrication –
moving work from the construction site into
the factory. As a founder member of the
industry-driven Buildoffsite initiative, the
team maintains its strong application focus
for the technologies themselves as well
as their implications for the construction
sector, such as new and emerging skill
requirements, health & safety implications,
and tools for improving the delivery process.
The IMCRC’s research into the use of
Additive Manufacturing techniques is not
just limited to the traditional manufacturing
industries. The Freeform Construction project
is investigating how these techniques may
be applied to construction by developing a
new patentable ‘additive’ process capable of
‘printing’ full scale building components
Apart from finding new ways to produce
buildings, the researchers are looking at
new building design. The Adaptable Futures
project recognises that high value building
assets need to be designed and constructed
for adaptability over the lifetime of the
product. The research team has developed
protocols to support new technical and
management processes together with
underlying human resource solutions, to
promote the cultural change necessary for
their adaption.
Future Research Directions
The Construction Group are leading the
way in exploring step change solutions to
complex design challenges and the delivery
of new products. This includes developing
enhanced teambuilding through modelling
and visualisation technologies and embracing
the process change, which will place
Loughborough at the forefront of research
into innovation in construction procurement
and economics. Current and future research
will be to evaluate the energy performance
of occupied buildings. Ongoing involvement
with the ‘HaCIRIC’ project will also provide
an opportunity for the group to embed their
research findings within the healthcare
sector.
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