Modular Construction Technology Research Articles

Use of BIM with Modular Construction in Future Construction Techniques

Modular construction technology and applications are rapidly evolving. Modular construction is a process in which entire rooms or sections of rooms are built in a factory setting along with electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work and then transported to a final site for assembly. With modular construction, a building is built off-site, under controlled facility conditions, with the same materials and to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities, but in half the time. The modular construction method is used to build various types of buildings (whether they are apartment houses, office buildings, or hotels). This construction method is used for both permanent and relocatable projects. These projects can be built with two types of modules. These are 2D panels or 3D modules. These can be combined to form a third type, hybrid modular construction. Each has its advantages. 2D panels offer easy logistics and flexibility in building design and are mounted on site. Factory productivity is increased by using 3D volumetric solutions. They only need to be installed once they are delivered. The hybrid modular structure has the advantages of the previous two. With the recent development of Building Information Modeling (BIM), the use of modular construction methods in conjunction with BIM becomes more common. As with any method, this one has advantages as well as disadvantages. Disadvantages of this method, such as a higher number of complex decisions, front-loaded design, etc., can be solved with BIM. Furthermore, the BIM platform can resolve the disadvantages of traditional construction methods, such as the difficulty of pre-project planning and coordination among members of interdisciplinary professions. With BIM and the modular construction method, physical conflicts between the structural system and its mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems can be easily identified early in the design process, and resolution can be expedited. This article includes general information about the modular construction method, future application scenarios, use, and advantages of BIM. The document analysis method, one of the qualitative methods, was used, and in the light of the data obtained, comments and scenarios were tried to be created about the future of BIM and modular construction techniques. What distinguishes this study is that the concept of quality is examined in detail by using these two methods together.

DEVELOPMENT OF GENERAL METHODOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF TOOLS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL-TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

The article is devoted to the introduction and substantiation of an innovative methodological platform and scientific and applied tools, which are designed to ensure the successful administration of operational activities and the growth of qualifying assets of the enterprise-developer in construction as project management (as part of the enterprise's multi-project business portfolio) and administrative-regulatory activities in the micro-environment of institutional sub- construction sites and stakeholders. The rapid complication of construction production systems causes an increase in the number of sequentially connected elements (crews, mechanisms, vehicles, suppliers, etc.), which, according to the basic law of reliability theory, reduces the reliability of the entire system in proportion to the number of elements in a geometric progression. Consideration of reliability as the stability of numerous specific qualities of building systems in relation to all possible deviations of the given mode of operation of the system requires system-technical design, manufacturing, construction, operation and other stages of the life cycle of building systems. Most often, the definition of the roles of project executors corresponds to the life cycle model. On the basis of the methodology, as introduced in accordance with the new ideas about the essence of the developer's operating system in construction, a new scientific and applied toolkit for the administration of the operational activities of the enterprise executing construction projects and its transformations based on the application of modular construction technology - prefabrication was developed and substantiated. Prefabrication is the preliminary production of building structures in industrial production. Prefabricated structures are delivered to the construction site and used in the construction process. This approach to construction has been revolutionary because it enables standardization, increased quality control, and reduced overall construction time.

Application of modular construction technologies in the design of hotel and hostel buildings

The construction of modular hotels is part of a new construction trend that has been gaining momentum over the past few decades. Due to the relative novelty of this trend, there is an insufficient number of scientific studies in the scientific space that consider the use of modular technologies. This article discusses the features of modular construction technology in general and in particular for hotel construction; traces the history and development of modular construction, presents a brief analysis of research by scientists, considers the experience of using modular technology in hotel design, identifies the main advantages of modular technology, and explores the role of modular construction in the development of the hotel industry. Modular construction technology is gaining popularity in the modern world and is becoming an increasingly common alternative to other conventional construction methods due to the ability to create a simple alternative to brick buildings without the need for heavy machinery. This construction method is successfully used for the construction of buildings of various types and purposes. The essence of this technology lies in the process of erecting buildings from prefabricated blocks - modules. Since these blocks are manufactured in factories and transported to the construction site for assembly, the construction process using this construction method is much faster than others, and this is despite the fact that the technology ensures all design and construction standards, and the cost can be significantly lower. Modular construction is a construction technology that involves the assembly of elements manufactured off-site by producing bulk modular units. This technology involves the use of various structural systems and building materials. The main advantages of modular hotel construction include increased productivity and safety at work, reduced overall construction schedule, environmental friendliness, cost optimization, and quick commissioning. These advantages ensure high profits for investors and construction companies. However, if the implementation of a modular project is subject to significant delays due to unforeseen circumstances, on-site construction may be a more efficient solution. Today, the use of modular technologies in hotel construction can be called a necessary evolutionary step for the development and efficiency of the hotel industry.

Evaluation of Temporary COVID-19 Testing Sites at Brussels Airport, Belgium: Users’ Comfort and Privacy

This paper explored the temporary facilities created during the pandemic for use as COVID-19 test centers at Zaventem Airport, the main airport for the city of Brussels, Belgium. The possibilities of modular construction technology and the impact of the building envelope on users’ perception of indoor space comfort and privacy were closely observed. The three main problem statements were as follows: (1) the COVID-19 crisis indirectly influenced the creation of temporary modular buildings with glass envelopes; (2) the modular envelope is adaptable to the existing context; and (3) the envelope meets the needs of the users. This study’s objectives were to identify the critical factors for users’ well-being in temporary modular buildings, and to conduct factor comparisons among different users and between different building-enclosure systems. The study data were collected through a subjective assessment using a SWOT analysis and a survey questionnaire. The glass facade affected the users’ acceptance levels of comfort and privacy. The main results show that the users were satisfied with the level of comfort and dissatisfied with the level of privacy. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and provide useful feedback to designers and engineers about specific design features and operating strategies for temporary modular emergency healthcare buildings.

Информационное моделирование зданий высоковольтных подстанций

The article discusses the advantages of the joint use of information modeling technology and modular construction technology. The object of research is the design of high-voltage substations buildings. The subject of the research is the application of information modeling technologies and block-modular construction in the design of high-voltage substations buildings. The design features of block-modular buildings for high-voltage substations are considered and the features of their design with the use of reuse projects are considered. It is noted that in the process of information modeling it is possible to use catalogs and libraries of digital information models of standard structures, as well as elements of electrical equipment. It is proposed to evaluate the quality of the digital information model in accordance with the requirements of state expertise. A scheme for checking the quality of the model in the software Renga using the IFC format is presented. It is concluded that the joint use of information modeling technologies and modular construction technologies increases the efficiency of these technologies.

Rapid construction of modular buildings for emergencies: a case study from Hong Kong, China

A new wave of the Covid-19 pandemic struck Hong Kong in February 2022. It led to construction of a temporary 1000-bed hospital and 10 000-bed isolation and treatment facility on an island site in just 51 days using factory-made modules. To achieve such rapid construction, module assembly was carried out at a separate site between the factories and site. Several new modular construction technologies were also developed, including adjustable base supports, large-span roof modules, universal safety barriers and an intelligent cloud platform for construction management. But to enable sustainable construction of such emergency buildings in future, further studies on demolition, recycling and relocation of modular buildings need to be carried out in the post-pandemic era.

Review of modular construction in Russia: trends, tasks, prospects

Construction throughout the world is one of the most important sectors of the economy. Thestate's interest in modular construction technology is constantly growing. This paper examines the issues of using modular products in modern housing construction, such as forms of using prefabricated parts and the problems of their use in modern housing construction, and trends in the construction market. The author also formulated possible prospects for this technology in Russia. The subject of the study is modular solutions and their trends in construction. A study was carried out of the regulatory framework, which is not ready for the use of such technology –regulatory documents in the field of modular construction have not been approved. The author of the work reviewed the use of modular technology in construction, identified the directions of development and tasks of this construction industry. Ways of development and improvement are proposed to increase the popularity of the use of modular construction in our country.

Исследование каркасно-панельных и модульных технологий на объектах военно-строительного комплекса

The military construction complex in modern conditions performs work not only on special objects, but also on civilian objects of various purposes. There were studied the best practices in the construction of facilities in the Arctic conditions and the erection of multifunctional medical centers under time pressure. The article discusses the experience of using frame-panel and modular construction technologies. Particular attention is paid to the construction of an administrative and amenity complex in the Arctic, where the frame-panel technology was used for the construction of buildings, medical centers were erected similarly. No less interesting is the experience of building from three-dimensional modules. Considering various frame-panel and modular technologies for erecting buildings at the facilities of the Military Construction Complex, the authors carried out expert assessments and compared performance indicators, as a result of which the advantages and disadvantages of building technologies were identified.

Sustainability of construction based on digital and modular technologies

The XXI century has confronted humanity with a number of global environmental and social problems. Some of them depend on the construction industry. The tasks of ensuring the sustainability of construction have become relevant. The article discusses modular construction as one of the most promising ways to achieve the requirements of sustainable construction. The purpose of the study is to analyze the prospects for the implementation of modular construction technology based on modern digital technologies to achieve the objectives of sustainable construction. The analysis of modular construction materials is carried out. The main advantages of using modular technologies (efficiency, quality, speed, environmental friendliness) are determined. Increasing the degree of automation and the introduction of modern digital technologies is a promising direction for the development of modular construction. It is noted that the promising areas of production automation are robotic machines, manipulators and 3D printers. It is noted that the use of BIM technologies is necessary to automate the design process. The digital information model allows to collect all the information about a modular object and its components and to use it at all stages, including the manufacture of structures. Generative design in combination with BIM allows to automate the synthesis of design solutions according to specified requirements. As a result of the research, a scheme for integrating BIM, generative design and modern factory production facilities into a single digital production chain of modular construction is proposed. Such chain is a bundle of a virtual conveyor of information models based on generative design and a factory production system with the use of 3D printing to manufacture structures according to the specifications of the information model. The system of synthesis of design solutions on the base of the system of generative algorithms is proposed. Examples of local optimization problems of generative design for modular construction are presented. The conclusion is made about the need for a comprehensive application of the considered technologies to achieve the greatest efficiency of construction.

Potential of Modular Offsite Construction for Emergency Situations: A New Zealand Study

Natural disasters cause significant adverse social and financial impacts by damaging homes and infrastructure. These disasters also need a quick and immediate solution to post-disaster housing problems, to provide temporary housing services for short-term disaster relief and reconstruction of lost and damaged houses for complete recovery. Reconstruction of new permanent housing for disaster victims is one of the most time-consuming post-disaster activities. However, time is a vital consideration that should be minimized for the reconstruction of houses for affected populations. Modular offsite construction technology has the potential to enhance the post-disaster housing reconstruction process due to its intrinsic characteristics of time-efficiency. This study aimed to assess the potential of the modular offsite construction method as an approach that could promote the design and construction process of post-disaster reconstruction in New Zealand in emergencies. An extensive literature review has been carried out to evaluate the features of the modular construction method, which can add value to the post-disaster recovery phase. To evaluate the suitability and viability of modular offsite construction for post-disaster reconstruction and to find substantial obstacles to its implementation, feedback was collected and evaluated using the multi-attribute methodological approach by performing a national survey of construction industry experts in New Zealand. Semi-structured interviews with New Zealand experts were then followed to confirm and validate the questionnaire findings. The findings indicate that modular offsite construction technology is a viable solution for providing housing in emergencies or during post-disaster reconstruction in New Zealand, with its time-efficiency and ability to overcome the challenges of the current traditional method by its specific advantages. Reduced need for onsite labor, overcoming local labor resource constraints affected by the disaster, and enhanced productivity due to a controlled environment are the advantages of the modular offsite technology, which are discussed in this research.

Оценка эффективности проектирования на основе модульных элементов максимальной готовности

Introduction. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and modular construction are modern technologies that ensure the development of the construction industry. Despite certain weaknesses, both areas have strong prospects today. However, the consequences of integrating these technologies into design have not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, it is advisable to study the total potential effectiveness of information modeling and modular construction technologies, if applied in combination. Hence, the purpose of this work is to apply information modeling tools to a particular construction facility to identify the effectiveness of design based on prefabricated modular elements. It is necessary to solve the following tasks to achieve this purpose: development of performance evaluation criteria, design of an information model based on prefabricated modular elements, comparison of two alternative facilities, drawing conclusions based on the results of the work. Materials and methods. The study is based on a comparative analysis of technical and economic indicators of two alternative facilities, or buildings of data processing centres, whose design documents were developed using modular and traditional approaches. The efficiency analysis is based on the values of design evaluation criteria to be compared. At the same time, the process of designing an information model of a facility, made of prefabricated elements, is considered. Results. As a result, the efficiency assessment of the design based on prefabricated modular elements is presented: a similar facility, whose design documentation was developed in the traditional way, is employed to conduct a comparative analysis. The author compares basic evaluation characteristics to the design developed using two different design concepts. At the same time, the author presents an information model, developed using modular design with account taken of the most recent theoretical and practical data available in this area. Conclusions. The proposed method of evaluating the design efficiency, based on prefabricated modular elements, demonstrates the obvious advantage of the modular method in terms of the facilities under consideration. At the same time, the information model of a facility is demonstrated, aspects of modular design are presented; weaknesses, further development and efficiency improvement trends are identified.

An Analysis of the Development of Modular Building Design Elements to Improve Thermal Performance of a Representative High Rise Residential Estate in the Coastline City of Famagusta, Cyprus

Passive design strategies can reduce heating and cooling demands with integration of more efficient building systems as well as the potential to integrate modular off-site construction technology and its technical systems to offset overall energy consumption. This study evaluates the energy performance of the nationally representative post-war social housing estate in the southeastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus where the weather is subtropical (Csa) and partly semi-arid (Bsh). This study employed a mixed methods research design approach which was based on a thorough field study that consisted of a questionnaire survey conducted with residents of the social housing estate in the hottest summer month of August, to explore the occupants’ thermal sensation votes (TSVs), their habitual adaptive behaviour, and home energy performance concurrently. On-site environmental monitoring was performed, and in-situ measurements of each occupied space were recorded to identify ‘neutral’ adaptive thermal comfort. The selected representative high-rise residential development was modelled using Integrated Environmental Solutions’ Virtual Environment (IES-VE) software, where extensive dynamic thermal simulations have been produced to assess existing energy performance and energy effectiveness of retrofitting strategies. The results demonstrated that a moderate–strong relationship was found between orientation and reasons for thermal discomfort (χ2 = 49,327, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.405). Individual levels of thermal comfort were not limited to household socio-demographic characteristics, however; environmental factors were also determinants in the development of adaptive thermal-comfort theory. Furthermore, the occupants’ TSVs indicated that in a southeastern Mediterranean climate, 28.5 °C is considered a neutral temperature, and the upper limit of the indoor-air thermal-comfort range is 31.5 °C.

Extended technology acceptance model to explain the mechanism of modular construction adoption

IntroductionWhile it is highly expected that modular construction can overcome the limitations of conventional construction methods, modular construction use in the field is currently insufficient. Previous studies have attempted to analyze what hinders the use of modular technology and find alternative solutions, but most studies have limitations in that it is difficult to explain the mechanisms of users' modular technology adoption in detail. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of modular construction adoption using a technology acceptance model to overcome previous studies’ limitations. MethodEmpirical survey data from 208 construction experts were collected to test research hypotheses in the research model of modular construction adoption. The collected data were analyzed using a two-step approach (i.e., CFA, SEM). Results: It was found that Outcome Expectation (OE), Institutional Barrier (IB), and Private Interests (PI) affected Attitude (ATT) and Behavioral Intention (BI) with the users’ Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) acting as mediating variables. Among these, PI was found to have the greatest impact on technology adoption and IB had a negative impact on both PU and ATT, indicating an urgent need for improvements in public policies relating to current modular construction use. ApplicationsThe results of this study permit a detailed explanation of the modular construction adoption mechanism. Furthermore, the results can provide practical assistance and advice when developing various measures for stimulating the use of modular construction technology.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Modular Construction, including Environmental Impacts

Similar to other fields, the construction industry tends to constantly evolve. There is an increasing demand for the construction of new buildings regarding the speed of the construction process, economy, and minimization of the negative effects on the environment, i.e. sustainability. These requirements can be met by using prefabrication for this construction. Modular construction represents one of the prefabrication technologies that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The topic of this article is the use of modular construction, even from the sustainability point of view. There is a basic overview of modular construction, its history in the construction field, an overview of the materials used, and the possibilities of its implementation. Furthermore, this article provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of modular construction. The advantages are listed in terms of quality, economy, time, and ecology as well as in terms of construction flexibility and work safety, both during production and assembly on the construction site. The disadvantages of modular construction discussed in this article are the complicated transportation of modules, demanding coordination of production and construction, the requirement for detailed construction planning, and the non-acceptance of this construction technology by the general, and sometimes professional public. This article also deals with the comparison of modular construction technology with conventional construction technologies. It points out the possibility of reusing materials from disassembled modular buildings. It also points out the ways to control and mitigate the impact of modular construction on the environment throughout the life cycle of modular building. Only after a thorough analysis of these aspects of modular construction, is it possible to explore other ways to further increase the efficiency of this technology in all directions and also to make even better use of its environmental impact minimization potential.

Production of cement slabs using sugarcane bagasse ash associated with expanded polystyrene

Civil construction is considered a major generator of urban solid waste and one way to mitigate this problem is to invest in modular construction systems, making room for lean and sustainable models. This paper evaluated the potential of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) as composites, combined with the inclusion of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in the production of cement slabs applied to civil construction. For the partial substitution of Portland Cement (PC) the chemical characterization of SCBA by fluorescence and X-ray diffraction was carried out and its production used concentrations from 6.8% to 25.5% of SCBA. In the cementitious plate, tensile strength tests were performed for flexure tensile strength, water absorption and permeability, in accordance to Brazilian guidelines. The results demonstrated the use of SCBA in partial substitution of PC in the proportion of 6.8% and 13.6% with absence of fine sand and 17% with addition of fine sand, allowing its use in a clean, modular and dry construction technology. It is possible to conclude, therefore, that the industrial residue of SCBA can be used in substitution of PC and that the inclusion of EPS in the studied product’s formula increases its volume and decreases its apparent density.

Problems and prospects of the Chinese construction industry

China’s economic growth is one of the most important sources of growth and stabilization of the world economy. Currently, the state has accelerated investment in new infrastructure programs. In addition to traditional infrastructure projects, the Chinese initiative is aimed at developing new technologies.Despite the new coronavirus pandemic, China’s GDP is growing quite fast today. The main support for various sectors of the economy is provided by the state and gives priority to domestic consumption demand, rather than external demand. In the construction industry, investments are increasing in infrastructure projects that contain the idea of modernizing the industry and introducing innovative technologies, including: Bcore CTS construction technology; BIM technologies; 3D printing construction technology; construction technologies using “green concrete”, and modular construction technologies continue to improve. The success of China’s economic reforms is facilitated by the fact that the state focuses on education, among other things, and this has resulted in many highly skilled workers who are able to effectively solve problems in the construction sector. Education reform and the use of new technologies contribute to the rapid development of the construction industry in China.

WORLD PRACTICE IN THE FIELD OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

This article discusses world practice in the field of modular construction. The aim of the study is to identify possible ways of applying modular housing technology in the Russian Federation. The goal was achieved through the application of general scientific research methods within the framework of comparative, logical, statistical analysis, etc. Modular construction technologies, such as volume block construction (OBD), multilayer glued wood panels (CLT panels) and light steel ones, were examined and analyzed. thin-walled structures (LSTK). These technologies are seen as the optimal and effective direction, in connection with which the Russian Federation should consider this modern building system as one of the ways to solve the problems associated with the lack of living space. The advantages and disadvantages of modular construction technologies are generalized, an analysis of the world practice of applying this technology indicates the prospects of the direction, since these technologies can be used in almost all areas of construction where there is such a need, for the simple reason that they correspond to all those trends and trends, to which humanity aspires. Practical recommendations are proposed to improve the technical and regulatory legal framework of the Russian Federation in order to promote the sustainable development of modular construction using the volume-block method (HBS), laminated wood panels (CLT panels) and light steel thin-walled structures (LSTK). The results can be used to optimize modular construction technologies, improve them, as well as eliminate the factors that create obstacles for the end user.

Fighting Covid-19 through fast delivery of a modular quarantine camp with smart construction

Lei Yue Mun quarantine camp was the first Covid-19 isolation facility built in Hong Kong. The camp’s two sites provide 352 rooms built using innovative modular integrated construction. Smart construction technologies were also adopted to deliver the project in the shortest time possible, including real-time module logistics monitoring and automatic module detection. This addressed critical challenges encountered by the project team in terms of limited time and resources, resulting in greater construction efficiency and less environmental pollution. The project is an exemplar of adopting modular construction and smart technologies for delivering emergency facilities.

Briefing: Bringing clarity and new understanding of smart and modular integrated construction

Modular construction has been promoted worldwide, with well demonstrated benefits. Modular integrated construction (MiC) was recently established in Hong Kong with the focus on integrated solutions to address high-rise buildings in high-density cities for productivity and competitiveness. Nevertheless, insufficient and inconsistent understanding exists. The University of Hong Kong has recently launched A Glossary of Modular Integrated Construction, which defines and illustrates over 170 terms related to MiC, off-site construction and smart project delivery, aiming at synergised understanding. The Glossary brings clarity and new understanding of modular and smart construction to the industry and community. With a focus on future building development in high-rise high-density contexts, the Glossary should become an important aid for achieving wider adoption of modular construction and smart technologies.

Design for manufacture and assembly in construction: a review

ABSTRACT Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is known as both a philosophy and a methodology whereby products are designed in a way that is as amenable as possible for downstream manufacturing and assembly. As construction is moving towards a combination of offsite prefabrication and onsite assembly, DfMA is gaining momentum in this heterogeneous industry. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review of DfMA in construction, its prospects and challenges in particular, seems absent from the literature. This study reviews the processes and principles of DfMA and explores the possible perspectives of DfMA with a view to providing implications to the construction industry. It was found that DfMA in construction has been interpreted from three perspectives: (1) a holistic design process that encompasses how structure or object will be manufactured, assembled and guided with DfMA principles; (2) an evaluation system that can work with virtual design and construction (VDC) to evaluate the efficiency of manufacturing and assembly; and (3) a game-changing philosophy that embraces the ever-changing prefabrication and modular construction technologies. This study suggests that development of design guidelines, forming multidisciplinary team, use of VDC systems and understanding the lean principles are factors that could further enhance the successful application of DfMA in construction.