Modified Roof Erection System

Conventional steel roof erection for an industrial building is a hazardous operation. It is also labor-intensive and weather-dependent. With U.S. construction trades facing a skilled-labor shortage, and with constructors pressured to shorten construction schedules, a more efficient roof-erection process is needed. To address this need, a design-build contractor developed the Modified Roof Erection System (MRES). The MRES involves erecting roof modules at a level near the ground, then hoisting them into place. Potential benefits of this process include: (1) Increased safety; (2) higher productivity; (3) less impact from skilled labor shortages; (4) shortened construction schedule; (5) better quality; and (6) reduced cost. Prior to implementing the MRES, the following questions had to be addressed: (1) Do we know how to perform such an operation?; (2) will this technology be acceptable to our customers?; (3) will our subcontractors embrace this type work?; and (4) are we willing to accept the risks involved? This paper discusses development of the MRES process and presents a case study of its initial trial.