Exploring the Impact Mechanism of Interface Management of Prefabricated Construction Projects

Abstract

Prefabricated construction (PC) is gaining more acceptance worldwide as a sustainable construction method due to its advantages in energy savings, emissions reduction, and cleaner production. However, the inherent geographical and organizational fragmentation of PC projects causes numerous interface issues. Effective interface management is key to the success of PC projects. Thereby, this study aims to explore how interface management is affected by various factors. Based on the literature review, the hypothesis of interaction between different factors is deduced and put forward, and the conceptual model of the interaction path of influencing factors in interface management of PC projects is established. Based on 117 valid questionnaires, an empirical test based on PLS-SEM analysis was conducted. According to the results, 10 paths affecting the performance of interface management were verified. The 7 factors in the conceptual model can all have an impact on the performance of interface management through direct or indirect paths. Among them, information communication, trust and cooperation, technology and management ability have a greater direct impact on interface management, while technical environment, information communication and contract relationship have a greater total impact on interface management. This study reveals the influence mechanism of interface management of PC projects, which can bridge the existing research shortcomings and provide a reference for solving interface management problems in practice to promote the development of PC.