Analysis of influence factor on quality formation and control of prefabricated concrete components

Off-site manufacturing (OSM) of buildings has been well known as an efficient and sustainable approach for improving construction project performance. However, the quality issue of prefabricated concrete (PC) components has become a significant problem hindering the construction process and causing substantial waste. This study aims to systematically identify the factors influencing the quality formation of PC components, quantify their mutual influences, and clarify the hierarchical structure and evolutionary paths among key factors across the whole process. By combining literature analysis and expert interview, 42 factors influencing the quality of PC components are identified from the perspective of whole process management. Then, 26 key factors are selected based on their centrality and causality parameters using the Decision-making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method (DEMATEL). The Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) method is applied to reveal the hierarchical structure and analyze the evolutionary path among the identified key factors. Results show that the factors are categorized into 14 hierarchical levels, and Level 1 can directly cause quality problems, whereas factors at Level 2-11 mainly affect the physical production process, and factors at Level 12-14 play a decisive role in the quality formed. The factors’ attributes are classified into 8 linkage factors, 11 dependent factors, 7 driver factors, and 16 autonomous factors. Furthermore, evolutionary path analysis illustrates how combinations of key factors jointly shape PC component quality and provides targeted quality control strategies. This study provides a foothold for the whole-process quality management of OSM projects and highlights the key factors clarified and their mutual influences.