Adopting the industrialised building system in Saudi Arabia: barriers and enablers

Abstract

The construction industy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has experienced a significant increase in new projects in recent decades. With the economy slowing down for the past couple of years, there are still significant needs in infrastructure and housing projects. Fulfilling those needs will be difficult if the construction industry still uses the conventional construction method. The industrialised building system (IBS) is the approach adopted by many countries that experienced similar challenges. It is the implementation of manufacturing methods to construction-related activities in order to improve quality, reduce cost and shorten project duration. This paper discusses the current practices, barriers and enablers for adopting IBS in KSA’s construction industry. Results of interviews that were conducted with the industry’s key stakeholders indicate that IBS has been adopted in KSA’s construction industry to some extent. Lack of awareness and knowledge on IBS is considered as the main barrier, while education and awareness campaigns are considered the main enablers for adopting such a system.