Risk Network Evaluation of Prefabricated Building Projects in Underdeveloped Areas: A Case Study in Qinghai

Prefabricated building projects (PBPs) face more risks than traditional construction projects, especially in underdeveloped areas. This study takes Qinghai Province as a study case. Social network analysis (SNA) is adopted to develop a risk network of PBPs, and nine core risk factors and five key risk relationships are identified. Risk effect detection reveals the effectiveness of risk response strategies. The research shows that PBPs in underdeveloped areas are still in the early stage of development, and developers generally lack a leading role. There are prominent problems in the design stage of PBPs, so the stakeholders pay special attention to them. In underdeveloped regions, the development of PBPs must rely on the strong promotion of the government. Limited by natural and economic conditions, the market mechanism of PBPs in underdeveloped areas is not perfect, and policy regulation greatly affects the spread of the risk network. Therefore, local governments need to actively introduce corresponding supportive policies and mobilize the enthusiasm of stakeholders. This is the first study to consider the risk within the life cycle of PBPs in underdeveloped plateau areas. This study expands the research system of risk management of PBPs and provides valuable risk response strategies for the stakeholders.