Browsing by Author "Manninen, Mikko"

The global drive towards low-carbon construction has focused attention on the utilisation of wood in multi-storey construction (WMC). The enabling regulatory and legislative actions and the promotion of wood construction have not increased the share of wood in multi-storey construction as predicted, which indicates that there are underlying factors hindering the wider utilisation of wood materials in construction and the construction of wooden multi-storey buildings. This qualitative study examined the perceptions and attitudes of construction site personnel towards WMC. The aim of the study was to identify the perceptions and attitudes of an important target group in the construction sector, which had not been highlighted in existing literature, by utilising the theory of planned behaviour. The study aims to uncover the perceptions and attitudes of construction site personnel to fill the current knowledge gaps, provide information on where to focus actions that facilitate WMC, and initiate discussion on the factors influencing the attitudes. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted between February-April 2024 with individuals, who are actively involved in the operations of construction sites during the construction and renovation phases. These individuals are responsible for the operations, implementation, and other administrative activities on the construction sites. The results of the thematic analysis indicated that construction site personnel held varying, yet generally positive attitudes towards WMC. There was a notable variation in attitudes between the different construction personnel groups. The perceived benefits and strengths that contributed to more positive attitudes towards WMC were assessed through factors such as the environmental friendliness and low emissions of wood materials, ease of workability, aesthetic appeal, and the material's lightness and breathability. The attitudes towards WMC were hindered by the factors perceived as weaknesses and challenges of wood materials and WMC. These included the unestablished position of WMC, lack of knowledge and material information, moisture-related challenges, fire safety, and economic factors. Normative beliefs of the Finnish construction sector were perceived to affect the attitudes, as the perceived work communities’ attitudes either facilitated or hindered the individual’s attitude towards WMC. Previous experiences did not significantly influence attitudes towards WMC. Instead, knowledge and information had a greater impact on attitudes. Sharing knowledge and increasing the availability of information about WMC was identified as a key solution to improving attitudes towards WMC in Finland, given the slow pace of change in the Finnish construction sector and its tendency to rely on established standards and practices.