Hierarchical concept modules for improving function analysis of construction VE process

Due to unsuitable execution of function analysis and function classification in the construction Value Engineering (VE) process, VE applications to the construction industry are considered to be less frequent and efficient than they are in the manufacturing industry. To resolve this problem, a new technique of function analysis, Hierarchical Value Engineering Concept Modules (HVECM), was created for practically integrating function definition, function classification and FAST diagramming of the construction VE process. In HVECM, which is based on the Stiching Architecten Research (SAR) methodology and Systematic Value Methodology (SVM), zones (á, â, ã, ä, and å) and margins (e.g., Ä between á and â) are composed to hierarchically execute the function definition and the function classification. For case studies, the potential of the HVECM is verified in terms of concurrent implementation of function definition, function classification and FAST diagramming with continuous hierarchical co-relation.