MODIFIED ROOF ERECTION SYSTEM

Conventional steel roof erection for an industrial building is a hazar dous operation. It is also labor-intensive and weather-dependent. With U.S. construction trades facing a skilled-labor shortage, and with co nstructors pressured to shorten construction schedules, a more efficie nt roof-erection process is needed. To address this need, a design-bui ld contractor developed the Modified Roof Erection System (MRES). The MRES involves erecting roof modules at a level near the ground, then h oisting them into place. Potential benefits of this process include: ( 1) Increased safety; (2) higher productivity; (3) less impact from ski lled labor shortages; (4) shortened construction schedule; (5) better quality; and (6) reduced cost. Prior to implementing the MRES, the fol lowing questions had to be addressed: (1) Do we know how to perform su ch an operation?; (2) will this technology be acceptable to our custom ers?; (3) will our subcontractors embrace this type work?; and (4) are we willing to accept the risks involved? This paper discusses develop ment of the MRES process and presents a case study of its initial tria l.