Construction cost performance of structural frames in Australia

Anthony Mills

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2013, vol. 5, issue 1/2, 57-68

Abstract: This research is concerned with the comparative cost of building structural frames in Australia. The research has been undertaken to evaluate the cost performance of a number of technologies that are typically used in medium-rise commercial buildings of ten storeys. The research methodology is based on pricing a number of standard building frame designs in five Australian cities. The results represent the cost of producing the same building using different building construction designs. By utilising a standard model, project variables like building quality, ground conditions and access were eradicated, thereby facilitating an unbiased comparison of cost performance. The second stage of the research invoiced a focus group of industry experts who were asked to validate the results of the cost study. In addition, participants of the focus group were asked to comment on the preferred construction practice for each of the typical building designs. Results suggest that post-tensioned in situ concrete frames have the best cost performance for most buildings. However, other designs can have good cost performance under some circumstances. Findings suggest that the Australian construction industry has long cultural preference for the use of in situ concrete in structural frames.

Keywords: structural frames; building costs; cost performance; medium-rise construction; cost estimating; technology; Australia; construction costs; comparative costs; commercial buildings; standard designs; building frame designs; construction designs; standard models; project variables; building quality; ground conditions; site access; industry experts; preferred practices; construction practices; building designs; post-tensioned frames; in situ frames; concrete frames; construction industry; cultural preferences; Adelaide; Brisbane; Melbourne; Perth; Sydney; project organisation; project management; project costs; cost management. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013
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