Modular Construction System Research Articles

Prediction of the Future Trends of Housing Project Development with Modified Delphi Technique

This research was initiated to study the trend of the housing projects in the next ten years (2022-2031), with the applied Modified Delphi Technique. The research was conducted by interviewing five experts with more than ten years of knowledge and experience in design, construction, technology, location, and marketing. The gathered trends were applied to create questionnaires in order to conduct two rounds of surveys to assess the consensus level of ten experts with at least ten years of experience in the real estate industry, according to the consensus analysis method from the Modified Delphi Technique. Thirteen trends were found from the study. There are four design trends: more beautiful façade, soundproof wall, universal design furniture, and universal design house building. In addition, eco-friendly materials and modular construction systems were found to be construction trends while smart home device installation and active air flow technology were found to be technology trends. Regarding the trend of the project location, the projects tend to be located in areas expanding into the suburbs. Finally, four marketing trends were also reported: Virtual Reality utilization in sales presentation, advertising to reach more customers, inviting social media influencers to play a role in reviewing projects, providing credit consulting services and refunding of reservation money if a customer’s loan is not approved. The results of the study provide information to all parties involved in planning strategies and operating a business in developing housing estates in the future.

A novel advanced block assembly method with 3D printed channel systems

Modular construction offers economic and environmental advantages over conventional construction technologies. Although several researchers have introduced various modular construction systems, the methods for creating channel structures within block modules and injecting epoxy resin to connect blocks efficiently have not been fully explored. This study proposes a new assembly channel system for modular construction using 3D printing. Four different channel types are fabricated using 3D printing, and epoxy resin is injected for block connections. The relationships between channel geometries and structural resistance are thoroughly analyzed with the uniaxial tensile and three-point bending tests. Both experiments are also numerically simulated using the finite element method to validate the modeling methodology for assembly channel systems. The validated methodology is useful for evaluating assembly channel systems and enhancing the design of such systems. Overall, this study can foster the practical application of modularization across various industrial fields.

Hybrid modular construction system “INNO3DJOINTS”: Experimental behaviour and numerical modelling of isolated sub-frames

With the growing demand for sustainable, cost-effective and overall-efficient building solutions, the need for dependable modular construction systems is steadily on the rise. In the present paper a novel hybrid modular construction system named INNO3DJOINTS is introduced, employing cold-formed welded steel tubular columns, fabricated according to EN 10219, and cold-formed steel thin-wall section based truss-girders, joined by the innovative plug-and-play (P&P) connector, designed to provide ease-of-assembly and -disassembly. The experimental investigation conducted on isolated sub-frame configurations of the novel system is presented, where 6 full-scale specimens were subjected to horizontal and vertical loading. The test configurations differed in the P&P joint socket thickness and the absence/presence of the light steel framing (LSF) wall, encased with oriented strand board (OSB). In addition, a numerical model for predicting the system's global behaviour is proposed, developed in SAP2000. Initially, the behaviour of the employed P&P joint configurations, categorized as partial-strength, is characterized using experimental and validated ABAQUS finite element model (FEM) data, resulting in a spring model implemented into the global FEM. Finally, the numerical and experimental results are compared and discussed, leading to conclusions regarding the system's 2D structural performance, identified behaviour governing phenomena, P&P joint influence, LSF wall and OSB contribution, as well as the capabilities of the developed FEM.

An Outlook of Project Management Practices adopted for Modular Construction System

An Outlook of Project Management Practices adopted for Modular Construction System

Mycelium-Based Composites as a Sustainable Solution for Waste Management and Circular Economy.

The global population is expected to increase by nearly 2 billion individuals over the next three decades, leading to a significant surge in waste generation and environmental challenges. To mitigate these challenges, there is a need to develop sustainable solutions that can effectively manage waste generation and promote a circular economy. Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are being developed for various applications, including packaging, architectural designs, sound absorption, and insulation. MBCs are made by combining fungal mycelium with organic substrates, using the mycelium as a natural adhesive. Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, can be grown on various organic feedstocks and functionalized into a range of diverse material types that are biobased and thus more sustainable in their production, use, and recycling. This work aims to obtain mycelium-based composites with acoustic absorption properties, using coffee grounds and agricultural waste as raw materials. The topic approached presents a new method of recovering spent coffee grounds that does not involve high production costs and reduces two current environmental problems: noise pollution and abundant waste. Measurements of the normal-incidence sound absorption coefficient were presented and analyzed. Mycelium-based composites offer an innovative, sustainable approach to developing bio-composite sound-absorbing surfaces for interior fittings. The material by Ganoderma lucidum exhibits exceptional sound-absorbing properties at frequencies below 700 Hz, which is a crucial aspect of creating sound-absorbing materials that effectively absorb low-frequency sound waves. The modular construction system allows for a high degree of flexibility to adapt to short-term changes in the workplace.

Comparative Analysis of the Acoustic Performances of Modular and Ordinary Classrooms

Since 2016, modular construction system was introduced to Korean school buildings as it gave both of benefits in time and economical gain. Though the modular school buildings are temporarily employed during the period while students were rapidly increasing due to the regional developments, government has a responsibility to maintain the building performance for the education purposes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the classroom acoustic performance of modular school buildings. To this end, room acoustic parameters were measured in classrooms in four modular school buildings. In addition, acoustic parameters including standardized sound insulation levels were measured to analyze the sound insulation performance of walls and floor impact noise performance. At the same time, equivalent acoustic parameters were measured in normal school classrooms for comparative analysis. As a result, it was found that background noise levels of each classroom are satisfactory with the standard of 35 dB(A). Concerning room acoustic performance, modular classrooms were found to have better values than ordinary classrooms. Als, as for the sound insulation of walls and floor, it was found that modular classrooms have better sound insulation performance than the ordinary classrooms beyond the general expectations.

Novel Hybrid Modular Construction System ‐ Structural Behaviour of Isolated Sub‐Frames

AbstractWith the rising necessity for sustainable, economic and fast construction solutions, reliable modular construction systems are increasingly in demand. This paper presents a novel lightweight modular construction system, consisting of tubular columns and light‐gauge cold‐form steel profiles, where the beam‐to‐column connection is established by an innovative plug‐and‐play joint. The experimental campaign conducted on the full‐scale isolated sub‐frame configurations is reported, together with the recorded specimen behavior. The experimental results are compared with the numerical FEM estimations, leading to conclusions regarding the system's global behavior, its potential and the influence of the novel joint.

Multi-Performance Characterization of a Modular Wooden House

Although not a new concept, modular construction has been the target of increasing interest and investment in recent years. Modular wood construction systems have economic and environmental advantages, as wood is a natural and locally available raw material with interesting thermal properties. In this context, the BlueWoodenHouse Project, a closed cooperation project between academy and industry, aims to improve the actual knowledge of modular wood construction in Portugal. Among other objectives, the project aims to characterize the solutions, systems, and materials used in wooden modular construction, specifically in a modular wooden, single-family house in full use. Afterward, the house was monitored for 1 year (temperature, relative humidity, and CO2) and the data collected were analyzed and the interior thermal comfort was evaluated. The results of CO2 concentration monitoring indicate adequate air renewal rates, except for some periods in the bedroom, during the night. Additionally, application of the adaptive comfort model proposed by the EN 16798-2 standard resulted in a percentage of time in discomfort due to overcooling ranging between 31.3% and 38.6%. However, most of these periods may correspond to times when there is no occupancy of these spaces.

Evaluation of a modular construction system in accordance with the Passivhaus standard for components

Passivhaus is an energy performance standard for buildings that has been deeply analyzed in the current scientific literature. However, the study of the Passivhaus standard for components and the use of certified components in the construction of new nearly-zero energy buildings have not been thoroughly discussed. Additionally, hygrothermal performance evaluations of components in accordance with this standard have not been fully presented to the scientific community. This paper addresses this topic and aims to evaluate the hygrothermal performance of a Spanish modular construction system of extruded aluminum, in accordance with the criteria for Passivhaus components, suitable for warm temperate climate. A three-part methodology was implemented, including hygrothermal performance simulations on fourteen connection details comprising wall, roof, window, and floor solutions. The initial outcomes reveal that only four connection details fully meet the Passivhaus criteria for components. Therefore, an optimization of the connection details is proposed to validate the Passivhaus suitability of the construction system. The connection details are redesigned to reduce thermal energy losses in the junctions and to eliminate the risk of interstitial condensation. Several simulation processes are then conducted and the new results are compared against the criteria for components, validating the Passivhaus suitability. The evaluation presented in this paper provided valuable data that enabled to later optimize and submit the construction system to the Passivhaus Institut to become the first lightweight metallic construction system for walls and roofs manufactured in Spain with a Passivhaus certification for warm temperate climate.

Implementation Strategies for Modular Construction Systems in Developing Countries: Perspectives of Nigerian AEC Professionals

This study aimed to develop effective strategies for implementing Modular Construction Systems (MCS) in developing countries, with a specific focus on the perspectives of Nigerian Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) professionals. A quantitative research approach was adopted, involving a survey of 227 AEC professionals in Nigeria. The survey collected respondents' perceptions on the developed MCS strategies in developing countries using a structured five-point Likert scale questionnaire. The professionals were identified through a snowball sampling technique. The results indicated that all fourteen hypothesized strategies were statistically significant for implementing MCS in developing countries. The strategies that received the highest mean scores were "Increasing awareness among professionals and stakeholders," "Creating an enabling environment within the industry," and "Government participation in the usage of MCS." The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that professionals, regardless of their varied professions, held similar opinions on the identified strategies. The study has practical implications for the AEC industry in developing countries by providing valuable insights into strategies for implementing MCS. It can also assist policymakers in making informed decisions. Overall, this study offers a pathway for implementing MCS, addressing the housing shortage, and improving the quality of housing in developing countries.

Assessment of Modular Construction System Made with Low Environmental Impact Construction Materials for Achieving Sustainable Housing Projects

The construction industry faces a significant challenge in addressing both the housing crisis and climate change. To mitigate this challenge, there has been a push toward the incorporation of industrialization in the construction process to improve product quality, reduce execution times, and lower production costs. However, it is also crucial to implement materials with sustainable characteristics to decrease the environmental impact of housing. In light of this, the present study analyzes the environmental and economic impacts through the development(design) of a modular construction system using materials with low environmental impact. Specifically, the structural components of the system are constructed using plywood boards, thermal insulation is provided by wheat straw, and the interior finish is made of clay plaster. The Skylark 250 model served as the chassis for the structure, with the wheat straw being applied through a blowing process and the clay plaster applied manually. Thermal transmittance, energy demand, environmental impact, and economic analysis were all evaluated for this solution. The study results yielded a modular housing solution with an energy demand of 55 (kWh/m2/year), which, when paired with photovoltaic panels, meets the Net Zero challenge. In terms of construction time, the proposed system requires 44% less time than traditional construction methods and is 29% less expensive economically, making it an attractive option for the housing market.

The construction of the modern factory. The introduction of prefabrication in Terra di Lavoro

This paper focuses on the investigation and understanding of the industrial heritage designed and built in Campania region, between Naples and Caserta, by the most important Italian architects and engineers in the post-war season. The principal aim of this paper is to present the rich and heterogeneous catalogue of factories designed in these years through unpublished drawings and photos from the building sites.
 These examples show a notion of modularity that brings interesting innovations in terms of on-site prefabrication of modular components and construction systems. The construction of these factories is therefore in contrast with Italy’s traditional building techniques based on craft approach and intense use of labour. The project of these factories is the outcome of the effort of famous architects and engineers, such as Lugi Figini e Gino Pollini, Angelo Mangiarotti, Marco Zanuso, Eduardo Vittoria, and Gigi Ghò, who experimented new structural solutions based on the orderly and coherent composition of prefabricated elements. This research stems from the revitalised interest in studies of prefabrication in Italy between the 50's to the 70's of the last century, and about the innovative aesthetic outcomes developed from it. In addition, this paper contributes to evaluate the qualitative connections between construction, geography and labour, assessing the friction between the advanced products and knowledge imported from the North and the agricultural vocation of these regions. The paper will also put in relation the development of prefabrication systems in the less-developed South of Italy in the wider context of the great industrialization boosted by political decisions and state financial helps of “Cassa del Mezzogiorno”.

The construction of the modern factory. The introduction of prefabrication in Terra di Lavoro

This paper focuses on the investigation and understanding of the industrial heritage designed and built in Campania region, between Naples and Caserta, by the most important Italian architects and engineers in the post-war season. The principal aim of this paper is to present the rich and heterogeneous catalogue of factories designed in these years through unpublished drawings and photos from the building sites.
 These examples show a notion of modularity that brings interesting innovations in terms of on-site prefabrication of modular components and construction systems. The construction of these factories is therefore in contrast with Italy’s traditional building techniques based on craft approach and intense use of labour. The project of these factories is the outcome of the effort of famous architects and engineers, such as Lugi Figini e Gino Pollini, Angelo Mangiarotti, Marco Zanuso, Eduardo Vittoria, and Gigi Ghò, who experimented new structural solutions based on the orderly and coherent composition of prefabricated elements. This research stems from the revitalised interest in studies of prefabrication in Italy between the 50's to the 70's of the last century, and about the innovative aesthetic outcomes developed from it. In addition, this paper contributes to evaluate the qualitative connections between construction, geography and labour, assessing the friction between the advanced products and knowledge imported from the North and the agricultural vocation of these regions. The paper will also put in relation the development of prefabrication systems in the less-developed South of Italy in the wider context of the great industrialization boosted by political decisions and state financial helps of “Cassa del Mezzogiorno”.

Drivers for the implementation of modular construction systems in the AEC industry of developing countries

Purpose The growing demand for housing and infrastructure, as well as the requirement for affordable housing, has been a significant factor, necessitating investigation for sustainable approaches and implementation of alternative construction innovations. Hence, this study aims to identify and assess the drivers for implementing modular construction systems (MCS) in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative research approach to seek respondents’ opinions on the factors that can drive the implementation of MCS in developing countries. Accordingly, a structured questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection based on five Likert scales. The data was analysed using the mean score, one sample t-test, Kruskal–Wallis, factor analysis (FA) and Pearson correlation analysis. Findings Results show that 15 of the 16 major identified drivers were statistically significant towards implementing MCS, which indicates that the drivers are crucial for implementing MCS in developing countries. However, the Kruskal–Wallis test reveals that the respondents have varying opinions on the identified drivers. FA categorised the drivers into four categories, namely, “management and sustainability”, “key performance”, “know-how and logistics” and “regulations and policies”. A strong relationship among the four categories of drivers was established using Pearson correlation, which indicated that all the drivers’ categories are essential for implementing MCS in developing countries. Originality/value This study identified and assessed the drivers towards implementing MCS in developing countries. The study concludes that the identified drivers are essential for implementing MCS in developing countries. Also, the study considers the government the most placed player in driving the implementation of MCS in developing countries.

Barriers to modular construction systems implementation in developing countries’ architecture, engineering and construction industry

PurposeThis study aimed to identify and assess the barriers to implementing modular construction systems (MCS) in developing country's architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, targeting built environment professionals from Nigeria and South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative research method, using a structured questionnaire to seek the opinions of the professionals on the identified categories of barriers.FindingsResults indicated that all identified categories of barriers were statistically significant using a one-sample t-test at p = 0.05 significance level which indicates they are critical towards the implementation of MCS in developing countries. Assessment of the opinion of the professionals using the Kruskal–Wallis scale showed that they hold similar views on the barriers to the adoption of MCS. Pearson correlation shows a high correlation coefficient amongst the barrier categories and an acceptable level of significance (p = 0.05).Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to two significant African countries (Nigeria and South Africa) selected based on the gross domestic product (GDP). Further studies can consider developing countries outside Africa and investigate broader respondents.Practical implicationsThe study provides implications on the barriers affecting MCS in developing countries for the academia, industry and government to have an insight into the barriers and make informed decisions and policies.Originality/valueThe research satisfies the need to study the barriers affecting the MCS in developing countries that can mitigate housing deficits. This innovative construction method has been adopted and implemented in developed countries, and the result has been positive.

Benchmarking the sustainability of concrete and steel modular construction for buildings in urban development

The modular approach has been increasingly adopted for building projects. However, few previous studies investigated the performance of different modular construction systems and their impacts on urban development. This paper aims to contribute to a more systematic understanding of modular construction for buildings in high-rise high-density urban environment, through measuring the sustainability of both concrete and steel modular construction. The measurement was conducted using two real-life modular building projects in Hong Kong covering 11 indicators in environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Results reveal that modular construction significantly outperforms the conventional practice, e.g., 46%-87% of waste reduction thus reducing the burden of urban waste disposal. Nevertheless, performance of the steel modular system varies from the concrete one, e.g., being 40% faster thus more suitable for emergency project delivery, but 20% more of electricity consumption. From the discussion, eight system boundaries were identified for dialectical sustainability benchmarking, e.g., density boundary to indicate the project context; and systematic strategies were proposed for sustainability enhancement, e.g., design for circularity for temporary modular facilities. The paper should facilitate the selection of suitable modular systems by demonstrating the sustainability of different modular construction systems and contributing dialectical thinking to construction performance measurement.

Unbearable Lightness of an Open System

One of the many ways in which architecture is conceptually opened up is by adopting systems theory in building technology. In this context, open systems denote modular design and construction; a system of standardized, mass-produced parts that can be configured in various ways opens a field of possibilities. However, there is a significant gap between the high expectations for the implication of the open systems principle and its results. This essay explores the potentials and consequences of openness in architecture through a historical case study. The Packaged House project (1941–47), designed by Konrad Wachsmann (1901–1980) and Walter Gropius (1883–1969), is a prefabricated housing system devised to meet the housing shortage in the US during and soon after WWII. It was an open spatial design system, a modular construction system and a commercial enterprise all in one. Although it was cultivated in the most favourable political and economic landscape for prefabricated building systems, the Packaged House failed to be widely reproduced. Drawing from the conflicting histories of the Packaged House, the discursive formation of the post-war dwelling, changing definitions of openness, and varied representations, this essay dissects the fantasies of the open building systems as well as their practical and symbolic features.

Swift Rising Pattern of New Emerging Construction Technology Trends in the Construction Industry

Construction technology is a collective term for types of technology that have a specific use within the construction industry. Adoption of recent digital transformation technology is the need of today to speed up the business and is also the basis of construction improvement. Incorporating and practicing the technologies such as cloud-based communication and collaboration solution, Mobile Apps and 5G,3D printing, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins, CAD / CAM, Augmented Reality(AR)/ Virtual Reality(VR), Big Data, Internet of Things(IoT), Wearables, Blockchain(BC), Modular Construction(MC), Offsite Manifesting, Prefabrication(PF), Robotic, Drones and Global Positioning System (GPS) controlled equipment expedite the progress in the Construction industry (CI). Resources used are journaled research articles, web/net surfing, books, thesis, reports/surveys, magazines, etc. The outline of the research organization for this study is framed at four distinct levels in context to conceptualization, resources, innovative and emerging trends in CI, and better methods for completion of the construction projects. The present study conducted during 2020-2022 reveals that implementing these technologies improves the level of standards, planning, security, well-being, sustainability, and economics too. Application uses, benefits, impact, advantages/disadvantages, limitations and challenges, and policies are dealt with to provide information to architects and builders for smooth completion of the project. Results explain that construction technology trends vary from 4 to 15 for CI, and eventually, it reaches 27 for Civil Engineering (CE). The perspective of the most recent innovations, trends, tools, challenges, and solutions is highly embraced in the field of construction. The incorporation of the above said technologies in the pandemic Covid -19and post-pandemic might lead to a focus on finding out effective ways to adopt new-age technologies for CI.

Risk Evaluation Concept of Engine Room Module Installation on Modular Construction Shipbuilding

The implementation of the construction of modular construction ships is able to accelerate ship production by up to 50%. However, in practice, delays in the production process can still be found in the engine room module of the modular ship building process. Production delays occur due to inappropriate block dimension accuracy, damaged machine conditions, loading blocks that are not on schedule, many revisions to drawings, delays in equipment and basic ship materials. The production process includes a series of activities carried out including: Hull construction, Painting & Protection, Outfitting Manufacture, Machinery Outfitting, Accommodation Outfitting, Electric, Electrical Outfitting. This research aims to evaluate the performance of engine room module installations in shipyards that apply a modular construction system. At an early stage, the research was conducted by identifying factors and constraints that affect the performance of the engine room installation in shipbuilding which has the potential to cause delays. The conceptual and technical approach are carried out by analyzing the causal relationship of the identification of factors at the production stage. The results of this research is expected to anticipate earlier delays in the engine room module installation with the concept of evaluation using Bayesian Network integration and System Dynamics.

Numerical Study of Structural Performance and Wind Flow Dynamic Behavior for PPVC Steel Modular Construction (MSC) under Various Extreme Wind Loads

PPVC modular construction building has become one of the most recent construction technologies in the civil engineering sector and has piqued researchers’ interest. Few published studies consider the overall structural response to extreme wind load. As a result, there is a lack of appropriate design for PPVC modular systems under extreme wind standards. However, the existing literature has not yet studied the wind flow dynamic behaviors of PPVC modular steel construction (MSC) systems subjected to extreme wind loads. This paper, therefore, presents a numerical investigation into the structural performance and wind flow dynamic behavior of innovative PPVC modular steel construction (MSC) systems under extreme wind loads. The numerical technique varied in comparison with previous studies. The results showed that the suggested novel (MSC1) modular system is applicable to prevention of extreme wind action up to cyclone 2nd degree, the high story drift resistance compared with previous research, high stiffness performance, and overall strain energy. Additionally, the actual wind velocity surrounding (MSC2) was 31.5% higher compared to the Saffir–Simpson wind speed scale, and the 1.5 wind speed safety factor was suggested.