Modular Project Research Articles

Combined Application of 4D BIM Schedule and an Immersive Virtual Reality on a Modular Project: UNLV Solar Decathlon Case

The use of a 4D schedule as technological advancement has brought significant improvement to the planning and execution of construction projects, through visualizing step-wise construction progress, following a sequence of pre-planned activities, and finalizing a baseline schedule with necessary changes. Moreover, the application of immersive virtual reality (IVR) to create an interactive 4D BIM schedule of a planned structure has made it possible to create a detailed plan of any construction project. Because of these benefits, the use of 4D schedules and immersive virtual reality in the construction industry has increased, leading to improved planning and execution. However, past studies have given little attention to the applications of such technologies on modular projects. Thus, this research applied a 4D schedule, along with immersive virtual reality, on a modular project, and verified their benefits and effectiveness. The results showed that most of the participants who experienced a 4D BIM schedule, along with immersive virtual reality (4D/IVR), strongly agreed that it is an easy and straightforward way to visualize the project, understand the schedule, and find any errors. Moreover, while fewer than half of the participants scheduled the assembly sequence correctly with conventional schedule and 2D drawings, almost all of them sequenced the assembly successfully with 4D/IVR. Based on the findings, this research concludes that the implementation of a 4D BIM schedule, along with virtual reality technology, can enhance the fabrication and assembly performance of modules.

Heavy mobile crane lift path planning in congested modular industrial plants using a robotics approach

Lift path planning is a significant subtask in constructability analysis, sequencing, and scheduling of congested industrial modular projects, impacting project cost, and safety. Although intuitive lift planning is still prevalent among the practitioners, this manual process might be tedious and error-prone for hundreds of lifts. This research presents an automated lift path planning method for heavy crawler cranes in no-walk scenarios employing a robotics approach. This method treats the lifted object as a three-degree-of-freedom convex mobile robot with discretized rotational and continuous translational motions. The proposed resolution-complete method models the crane capacity chart, tail-swing, and boom clearances as pseudo-obstacles in the lifted object's configuration space. By reducing the lift path planning to a graph search problem, if any, the shortest path for the planar motion of the heavy-lift, along with its optimal pick-point, is identified. The developed heavy-lift path planning method is validated via two practical case studies.

Optimizing the prefabrication finishing level in modular construction

Prefabricated modules in modular construction projects can have a wide range of finishing levels that range from partially completed with only structural frame to fully completed with all structural, wall, mechanical, electrical, finishing and furnishing components. A higher module finishing level increases the offsite fabrication and transportation cost and decreases onsite assembly cost and duration while a lower finishing level produces the opposite results. This paper presents an optimization model that enables construction planners to identify an optimal finishing level for prefabricated modules to minimize the total cost of modular construction projects that includes all offsite fabrication, transportation, and onsite assembly costs. A case study of a modular construction project for a healthcare facility was analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and evaluate its performance. The results of this analysis highlight the original capabilities of the model in minimizing the total cost of modular construction projects by identifying an optimal finishing level for each module type in the project from a set of feasible alternatives with varying building components, weights, and cost rates.

Practical Analysis of BIM Tasks for Modular Construction Projects in South Korea

Building information modeling (BIM) and modular construction are important technologies for construction industry sustainability. This study proposes a relational matrix of key activities and BIM tasks of modular construction projects to analyze practical BIM tasks in Korea. To achieve this objective, 11 key activities and eight BIM tasks are identified through a comprehensive literature review and expert interviews. Then, the relational matrix of key activities and BIM tasks is proposed, and the BIM tasks in the matrix are analyzed in terms of necessity and efficiency using 5-point Likert scales. Finally, the matrix with the BIM utilization index is suggested. As a result, the average BIM utilization index is 0.80 in the off-site phase, and the index results show that 3D shop drawings have the highest index. In the on-site phase, the average BIM UI is 0.73 and the integration of a 4D model with quantity take-off is the most efficient at 0.85. Additionally, from the decision-maker’s perspective, the priority through the index presented helps in making decisions and in practical BIM execution planning. The proposed matrix is a practical reference for decision-makers considering the application of BIM in modular projects, and it contributes to a sustainable construction industry.

Multiple work zone strategy for repetitive on-site work of modular construction using parallel station method

ABSTRACT Modular construction offers benefits such as high quality, low cost, and short durations owing to the high productivity of repetitive production. To maximize productivity, modular construction involves repetitive schedules; however, the scheduling methods exhibit limitations when applied to on-site work. These methods are optimized by adjusting the production rate of activities; however, the bounds of the production rates of modular construction on-site work are limited because of workspace limitations in the units and varying amounts of work between activities. This results in idling time in the scheduling methods. Thus, in this research, the parallel station method (PSM) was employed to ensure a flexible production rate. A discrete event simulation model was developed and employed to estimate the number of workers and work duration. The results demonstrated the following: 1) The developed scheduling method exhibits better results than the method for stick-built construction. 2) When applying the PSM, the line-of-balance method is cost-effective, while the TACT method is time-effective, implying that scheduling methods should be selected based on the primary objectives of modular projects. The findings of this research will contribute toward improving the accuracy and applicability of repetitive scheduling methods and reduce the labor cost and duration of on-site work.

Multi crane lift simulation using Building Information Modeling

Developing heavy-lift studies is a vital task in heavy congested industrial projects such as modular projects where it is necessary to lift modules with mobile cranes. However, preparing these lift studies can be time-consuming. Hence, automating this process is a great step in saving time, and reducing the percentage of errors, having the practitioner focus on lift planning rather than tedious tasks. A significant step in the pre-construction and construction phase of an industrial project is creating the 4D animation of lift processes. Such an animation develops a better understanding of the process and streamlines finding the best path for the mobile crane movements to avoid collisions. Such a 4D lift animation (i.e., simulation) can be a mandate when the lifting process is performed in a congested construction site involving more than one crane. This research study aims to propose a comprehensive framework for creating the 4D animation of a multi mobile crane lift process. The proposed approach can connect to a comprehensive model, in Building Information Modeling (BIM) terminologies, or can auto-generate the simplified CAD model containing the lifting objects (i.e., modules in modular construction) and obstructions by interacting with a central database. It can also auto-generate the 3D model of cranes in the set and pick positions. Then, the lift animation can be developed quickly in an automated manner by employing a customized Application Programming Interface (API). The developed API generates the lift animation of the cranes based on the defined timeline and lifting path by reading the required data (e.g., site information, modules information, cranes information, object models, and lift sequences) from the database. The proposed framework is validated by applying in a portion of a real modular industrial project in Alberta, Canada. The results show that the developed system has enough flexibility to simulate multi-mobile crane movements with various types of mobile cranes, multiple kinds of movements, and various site conditions.

RELOCATABLE MODULAR BUILDINGS FOR A SHORT-TERM INTERNATIONAL EVENT: THE PYEONG-CHANG WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

ABSTRACT Modular methods based on the use of prefabricated structures are increasingly popular for construction projects as they contribute to sustainability by reducing waste and maintenance costs as well as improving time efficiency. For short-term international events, the use of relocatable modular buildings is a potential solution to the problem of “White Elephant” structures built specially for the events that serve no useful purpose once the event is over. This paper focuses on a representative relocatable modular project created for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea using a single case study approach to develop an in-depth understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of relocatable modular construction from a practitioner’s perspective and examine how this approach supports sustainability and the Olympic legacy. Important considerations are identified for each of the five main stages: 1) planning, 2) design and engineering, 3) manufacturing, 4) construction and 5) disassembly and reconstruction. These findings show how the use of relocatable modular facilities can be a useful approach for international events.

PROJECT-ORIENTED MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE REGIONS

Materials on the development of a modular project for the management and organization of an agricultural cooperative with systematic implementation of tasks and the achievement of commercial and environmental goals have been outlined. The carbon budget of forest ecosystems has been calculated and analyzed, the increase of which is aimed at increasing the yield of “clean” agricultural products with high benefit while reproducing natural systems that affect the improvement of its quality. The methodology and features of the project approach as an instrument for managing the complex economic, environmental and social problems posed by the environmental entrepreneurship of the regions have been analyzed. The economic and environmental performance indicators of the ecopreneur in the production of eco-products in the course of the project have been estimated. The results obtained are intended for associations of agricultural producers, local and regional executive authorities, interested in the development of environmental entrepreneurship and the reproduction of natural ecosystems.

Review and comparison of methodologies and tools to perform energy efficiency projects in public buildings in MED areas

The Energy Efficiency (EE) in buildings is one of the pillars for the climate change (CC) mitigation. There are several initiatives that are providing solutions to foster and accelerate the improvement of the EE in buildings. In particular, in the framework of the Interreg MED Programme, the Efficient Buildings Community (EB Community) has been created by the MEDNICE project (https://efficient-buildings.interreg-med.eu/) with the objective of sharing knowledge, practices and solutions for energy challenges in the MED area and creating synergies between similar initiatives. The EB Community collects the results of 10 Modular Projects (MPs) focused on the improvement of the EE in public buildings (PBs), in order to harmonize, systematize and capitalize their results and produce technical and policy recommendations to remove administrative, financial, legal or technological obstacles. The EB Community brings together local, regional and national stakeholders to exchanges methodologies, experiences and tools. The MPs cover the improvement of EE in PBs from different perspectives and stages: characterization of the PB stock, planning, tendering and procurement of services, implementation of the building process, monitoring and use of the buildings, training and awareness of the different stakeholders and financing solutions. Most of the MPs have proposed methodologies to carry out the different stages of the EE projects, from a public administration (PA) point of view and providing tools and indicators to make decisions in each stage of the project. The purpose of the present paper is to make a review of the methodologies and tools proposed by the MPs. The study aims at establishing a common procedure to perform EE projects in PBs with especial focus on MED areas; selecting common and relevant KPIs to be used during the whole value-chain of a project (energy, sustainability, cost and financial, environmental comfort, among others); evaluating the main target group of each tool and the stage of the process that is addressed; and identifying the main gaps of the methodologies and tools, as well as their usefulness to overcome the main barriers identified within the EE projects.

Application of a Graded Approach to Support the National Research Universal Reactor U-2 Experimental Loop Return to Service

Abstract The National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) operated safely for over 60 years and supported a wide range of applications including, testing of fuels and materials under typical power reactor conditions in two experimental loops (U-1 and U-2). Both experimental loops had been taken out of service to address seismic deficiencies. CNL applied a graded approach to successfully return one of these loops, the U-2 Loop to service. The graded approach, without compromising safety, applied a risk informed methodology commensurate to the potential risk posed by the operation of the U-2 Loop. The work enabled the U-2 Loop to resume operation until the NRU reactor was permanently shut down in Mar. 31, 2018, generating valuable data that will be used in the development of advanced nuclear fuels and materials. This paper describes the graded approach employed by CNL that supported U-2 loop return to service (RTS). The use of graded approach is articulated to support development of safety and licensing cases for small modular reactor projects.

Technical, Economic, and Social Coordination Requirements of Internet-Based Innovation

The paper explores the role of coordination mechanisms with an emphasis on next generation digital innovations, many of them related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G wireless services. Much of the discussion on the conditions that support Internet-based innovation focused on modular innovations. These were indeed a major driver of innovation in during much of the development of the Internet. While many of the new services can be configured as modular projects, others, for example cyber-physical systems supporting smart cities or autonomous vehicles, require coordination efforts that go beyond the relevant market players and involved public sector actors and the development of social norms that support these innovations. We are particularly interested in the role of policy in facilitating the provision of appropriate coordination mechanisms. The discussion shows that some situations may require new forms of proactive public policy at the local, state, and national level, including coordinated rollout of complementary infrastructures, support for public interest innovation, and a redesign of regulation and legislation.

Calibrating CII RT283’s Modularization Critical Success Factor Accomplishments

Modularization is a well-known construction technique where sections of the job are moved from on-site to a fabrication shop. Previously, the researchers identified the 21 most influential Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for successful modularization and quantified the degree of each CSF’s accomplishment by conducting a survey with 19 subject matter experts, and a case study with three modular projects. Through this methodology, the findings relied on the experience of experts. However, still missing from the understanding of modularization CSFs is a validation of the current degree of each CSF’s accomplishment by examining actual modular projects using a sufficient number of samples. This paper presents a comparison of CSF accomplishment degree between 25 actual sample projects (project based) and the industry experts’ survey results (experience-based estimation). The study results indicate that the industry experts made a good estimation of the current occurrence degree of each CSF. The study did identify, however, three significantly overestimated CSFs and three underestimated CSFs. The three most overestimated CSFs are Owner-Furnished/Long Lead Equipment Specification, Cost Savings Recognition, and O&M Provisions. The three most underestimated CSFs are Contractor Experience, Management of Execution Risks, and Transport Delay Avoidance. This study will help the industry to 1) better understand modularization CSFs and their accomplishment statuses; 2) achieve higher modular project performance by accomplishing the CSFs

Life Cycle Cost Analysis and Optimization of Modular Substation

Due to the lack of high standardization and specialization, the production scale of modular substation is difficult to meet the established requirements. Compared with traditional substation construction, there are still practical problems such as high production costs. Therefore, it is still difficult to promote modular substation. Considering the life cycle of modular substation project, Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and Engineering Breakdown Structure (EBS) of the modular substation were defined through literature reading and data analysis. Then use the life cycle cost mapping model to further determine the mapping relationship between CBS and EBS. Finally, the connotation and goal of the life cycle cost optimization of modular substation were proposed, which can effectively promote the cost management of modular substation projects and optimization.

Automated Crane Planning and Optimization for modular construction

Abstract The majority of industrial projects in Alberta's oil sands are constructed using modular construction. Modules are preassembled components built off-site and transported to the site to be lifted into place with mobile cranes. Heavy lifts include modules as well as major equipment that utilize expensive mobile cranes. Selecting the proper mobile cranes and configurations and finding the best crane position for each lift saves a significant amount of time and cost, while also improving safety. A heavy lift plan facilitates overall site management by reducing extra crane relocations and avoiding dangerous crane clashes. Performing such intensive analysis manually for several hundred lifts and various crane options is a tedious, prolonged exercise. However, no application that carries out such intensive analysis for a number of lifts in modular construction has yet been developed. This paper presents a system, called Automated Crane Planning and Optimization, to automate the above-mentioned analysis for a large-scale project. This system is validated on actual modular projects.

Cómo evaluar una simulación de la metodología por proyectos a través del uso de rúbricas en el Grado de Educación Primaria

<span style="font-family: 'Candara',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Candara; mso-font-kerning: .5pt; mso-ansi-language: ES; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="ES">El desarrollo de competencias transversales en los grados universitarios requiere enfoques metodológicos que diluyan las barreras entre las distintas disciplinas. Para responder a ese desafío se han diseñado e implementado los trabajos modulares interdisciplinares (TMI). Este artículo presenta los instrumentos de evaluación de una propuesta didáctica interdisciplinar implantada en el grado de Educación Primaria para dar a conocer la metodología por proyectos de aula. Se trata de cuatro rúbricas que informan del progreso del trabajo cooperativo de los estudiantes y del producto final escrito y oral. Asimismo, se exponen los resultados de evaluación sobre dicha metodología, obtenidos en el segundo año de la implantación del proyecto modular interdisciplinar, tanto desde el punto de vista del alumnado como del profesorado. Los resultados evidencian la importancia de la coordinación entre el profesorado y del acompañamiento al alumnado durante todo el proceso, orientándoles en la simulación, ayudándoles a establecer vínculos entre la teoría y la práctica y dotándoles de herramientas que les faciliten la elaboración del TMI.</span>

Extending the current model view definition standards to support multi-storey modular building projects

ABSTRACTBuilding Information Modelling (BIM) has significantly facilitated information management and collaboration in construction projects. During the past two decades, many information standards such as Information Delivery Manuals and Model View Definitions (MVDs) have been developed to enhance interoperability among construction-related tools. The focus of these standards has mainly been on conventional construction. In this paper, differences in the data structure of these two types of construction-related tools are discussed and compared with the current MVD standards. This study shows that the existing standards cannot fully support multi-storey modular buildings. By development of a product architecture model and comparing it with the data structure of current MVDs, it is concluded that available standards can be modified to support both modular and site-built constructions. In this paper, essential MVD concepts required for such extensions are presented. Through a case study, the developed concepts are applied to the currently available architectural-to-structural MVDs in order to create architectural to structural design/analysis MVDs for application to multi-storey modular buildings. The case study shows that using the presented concepts, an existing MVD can be extended to address special needs of multi-storey modular building projects as well as conventional construction.

Optimal Expansion of a Hydrogen Storage System for Wind Power: A Real Options Analysis

This paper presents a real options-based techno-economic analysis of a hydrogen-based wind energy storage system (H2-WESS) deployed adjacent to a nearshore wind farm in northern Germany. The H2-WESS can be used to produce and store hydrogen when feed-in management takes place, in order to avoid the shutdown of wind turbines during times of excess electricity supply, or when the spot market electricity price falls below the estimated (efficiency-adjusted) market price of hydrogen. Moreover, an H2-WESS can provide negative minute reserve capacity. The modular design of the H2-WESS gives an investor the option to expand the capacity and gradually adapt to changing market conditions. The comprehensive and novel simulation model considers all relevant volatile inputs, such as stochastic wind conditions, feed-in management events, prices, and minute reserve calls. By means of a Monte Carlo simulation, annual revenues and their volatility are computed with a view on projected technology improvements until 2030. Based on the simulation results, a binomial real options pricing model is used to design four interdependent binominal trees and to evaluate a Bermuda-type compound expansion option. The decision trees, in which the investor can choose the maximum of the option to either upgrade the H2-WESS to the next expansion stage or to keep the real option alive, feature 390 time steps and 76,050 decision nodes each. Each compound decision takes the option of a smaller expansion stage explicitly into account. The compound expansion option to invest in a 5, 10, 15, or 20 MW H2-WESS has a 15-year expiration time and is found to have a value of about €2 million, compared to the net present value of a 5 MW H-WESS of about €-2.45 million. We conclude from the real options analysis that for a realistic valuation of modular energy projects subject to various uncertainties it is crucial to incorporate the value of managerial flexibility that is influenced. Due to the modular design, and in contrast to conventional power plants, the flexibility of the H2-WESS comprises many specific options.

Analysis of cost-increasing risk factors in modular construction in Korea using FMEA

The modular system is a very efficient construction method with various strengths and advantages that is expected to replace Reinforced Concrete (RC) or steel (S) structures. It is appreciated as a faster, more efficient, cheaper, and eco-friendly method capable of solving labor problems in the construction industry. However, the modular system has in fact failed to meet expectations in the Korean construction market, mainly due to higher construction costs as compared to RC structures. This study, therefore, sought to derive the construction cost-increasing factors for each phase of a modular project in Korea then analyzed what improvements should be made to secure economic feasibility. For the purpose of this study, the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method was employed to find critical factors responsible for causing cost increases throughout the modular construction life-cycle from the perspective of the modular construction company. A total of 35 types are evaluated, which increased to 49 factors when overlapping is allowed over the phases. The result of the FMEA shows that there is a higher risk of a construction cost increase at the beginning of the design phase, highlighting the importance of initial planning and direction setting. It also demonstrates that workforce-related problems take up about half of the risk factors, indicating that the Korean modular construction industry needs well trained and experienced specialists. The results further imply that many of the serious risks of cost increases come from factors relating to market size and the maturity of modular construction, which the modular construction companies can't control on their own. More publicity detailing the advantages and superiority of the system, its technical improvement and innovation in terms of quality and performance, could change customer interest in the system. These efforts should run parallel with the effort to lower costs.

Connecting common genetic polymorphisms to protein function: A modular project sequence for lecture or lab

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA can result in phenotypes where the biochemical basis may not be clear due to the lack of protein structures. With the growing number of modeling and simulation software available on the internet, students can now participate in determining how small changes in genetic information impact cellular protein structure and function. We have developed a modular series of activities to engage lab or lecture students in examining the basis for common phenotypes. The activities range from basic phenotype testing/observation to DNA sequencing and simulation of protein structure and dynamics. We provide as an example study of the bitterness receptor TAS2R38 and PTC tasting, however these activities are applicable to other SNPs or genomic variants with a direct connection to an observable phenotype. These activities are modular and can be mixed to meet the student capabilities and infrastructure availability. The complete sequence of activities will demonstrate the direct connection between gene structure, protein structure and organism function. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(6):526-536, 2016.

Modular projects and 'mean questions': best practices for advising an International Genetically Engineered Machines team.

In the yearly Internationally Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) competition, teams of Bachelor's and Master's students design and build an engineered biological system using DNA technologies. Advising an iGEM team poses unique challenges due to the inherent difficulties of mounting and completing a new biological project from scratch over the course of a single academic year; the challenges in obtaining financial and structural resources for a project that will likely not be fully realized; and conflicts between educational and competition-based goals. This article shares tips and best practices for iGEM team advisors, from two team advisors with very different experiences with the iGEM competition.