Date of Award
8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Construction Science and Management (MCSM)
Department
Construction Science and Management
Committee Chair/Advisor
Shima N Clarke
Committee Member
Dhaval R Gajjar
Committee Member
Jason D Lucas
Abstract
This study was conducted to understand how different steel erection methods affect construction performance. In construction projects, productivity, labor requirements, safety, and cost are important factors that influence project success. While the traditional steel erection method has been widely used for many years, innovative approaches such as the Building Zone Industries (BZI) method have been developed to improve construction processes and project outcomes.
The purpose of this research was to compare the traditional steel erection method with the BZI Innovative Method using actual project data and industry perspectives. The study evaluated total roof steel quantity, including total roof steel pieces and total steel tonnage, total labor hours, and cost to assess productivity and overall project performance. In addition, feedback from industry professionals was collected through surveys to better understand how the two methods are perceived and implemented in practice.
The findings indicated that the BZI Innovative Method was able to complete a larger roof steel scope, measured by total roof steel pieces and total steel tonnage, within a shorter project duration and with fewer labor hours than the traditional method. The qualitative findings further supported these results, as industry professionals frequently associated the BZI method with improved productivity, enhanced safety, better workflow organization, and more efficient project execution. Participants also highlighted the benefits of reducing worker exposure to hazards and creating a more structured construction process.
The cost analysis indicated that the BZI Innovative Method resulted in a higher estimated cost than the traditional method. However, a portion of this difference was associated with the larger steel quantity installed and the use of specialized equipment required to support the method. Despite the higher cost, industry professionals generally viewed the method favorably because of its perceived advantages in safety, productivity, and project performance.
Overall, the findings suggest that the BZI Innovative Method can provide significant advantages for large-scale projects where activities can be standardized, carefully planned, and systematically managed. Although project-specific factors such as cost, planning requirements, and project characteristics should be considered, the results indicate that the BZI Innovative Method has the potential to improve construction performance while supporting a safer and more efficient working environment.
Recommended Citation
Haidary, Muqadas, "Comparative Analysis of Productivity Between Traditional and Innovative Steel Erection Methods: A Field-Based Study of BZI’s Panelized Roofing System" (2026). All Theses. 4823.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4823