Achieving constructability in structural design for building structures

Constructability in structural design is investigated by using a case study of a 21m concrete roof structure as basis for the evaluation. The case study shows that even in a case where the designer paid special attention to constructability during the conceptual phase, the contractor may still have special preferences which differ from the concept design. Therefore, by just relying on lessons learned programmes and previous knowledge, a design may not be suitably constructible for a given contractor. It demonstrates that the conceptual design is a function of a number of factors which need to be considered in conjunction with each other, rather than a merely counting on previous experience and knowledge. In addition, it is shown how the designer should consider all possibilities, even beyond the direct environment of the specific structural context.