Institutional barriers to the adoption of precast concrete structures in developing countries

Murguia D.; Zanabria E. · Modern Methods of Construction: Foundations, Processes and Applications (2026) · DOI: 10.1108/978-1-83708-436-420261018

Resumen

Precast concrete structures have been widely acknowledged as a key enabler of more efficient and sustainable industrialised construction. While this construction technology has been extensively adopted in many developed countries, its uptake in developing nations remains limited. This is primarily attributed to the continued dominance of traditional in-situ construction, the availability of low-cost labour and the presence of complex institutional blockers. Using the lens of isomorphism, this research aims to reveal the key institutional barriers to the adoption of precast components and propose a framework to inform policymaking. A qualitative approach was adopted, using data from 40 semi-structured interviews with construction professionals and structural engineers from the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry of Peru. Twelve coercive, mimetic and normative factors were identified. AEC professionals highlighted a lack of authoritative technical standards, insufficient investment in research and development, low client demand, and uncertainty and resistance to change as the primary institutional barriers to adoption. The findings emphasise the role of institutional fragmentation and weak sectoral leadership in perpetuating these barriers. This research proposes an industry-level responsibility matrix to inform policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to industrialise the construction sector in developing markets.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú