An analysis of the efficiency of structural system in reinforced concrete buildings

Abstract In recent years there has been significant progress in the construction methods used in Brazil, particularly regarding concrete structures. Although the literature on efficiency in civil construction is vast, there is still very limited availability of non-parametric methods for the efficiency evaluation of constructive processes. This paper presents a mathematical model for efficiency analysis based on the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique for comparative assessment of construction methods in the production of concrete slabs. In this investigation we compared prestressed and solid slabs from a group of 16 building companies and 23 buildings produced in Fortaleza, which were periodically monitored, allowing us to perform a diagnosis of the sector. The proposed model can be used by planners, offering them significant advantages. The results indicate that there may be substantial financial gains, through better allocating labour for the same constructive method.