MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
Modular construction technique involves building off-site in controlled conditions, using the
same materials, design structures, codes, standards, and building bye-laws as traditionally
constructed facilities. This method allows for faster construction compared to conventional house
building. Buildings are assembled from “modules” that, when joined on site, resemble
traditionally built structures.
Modular construction can be used for building temporary or permanent structures such as camps,
schools, classrooms, civilian facilities, and military as well as industrial facilities. Modular
buildings are an ideal solution in remote and rural areas where conventional construction may not
be feasible. Other applications of modular construction include church buildings, healthcare
facilities, retail shops, and fast food outlets.
At this time, modular construction for buildings or facilities can be built to any specification and
size, from simple to complex designs. Once the building elements are manufactured, they are
transported to the site for final installation. One major advantage of modular construction is its
speed, and it can be more cost-effective than traditional on-site building. Additionally, modular
construction is not limited by issues like severe weather, and modular buildings are more likely
to withstand earthquake forces because they are manufactured under controlled plant conditions.
Modular construction concepts can be applied to all types of buildings, such as offices,
commercial premises, residential properties, hotels, and more.
Modular construction structurally makes buildings stronger than conventional methods because
each module is engineered to independently withstand the rigours of transportation and craning
onto foundations.
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS OF MODULAR HOUSE
The modules for modular house construction are usually built off-site. The fabrication of these
modules can take a short time, depending on the materials used, and then they are transported to
the building site, where equipment like cranes can be used to assemble the modules. The assembly
process for these modules can take less time compared to traditional house construction, and once
assembled, it can be difficult to distinguish between a modular house and a conventional on-site
building.
Modular construction techniques are similar to an assembly line in car manufacturing. Typically,
a modular house construction project comprises four stages. First, the design development by the
developer and plan approval by any regulating authorities.
Secondly, manufacturing of module components in a factory (off-site) to the required depth and
sizes after the approval of the design and drawings from the concerned authority.
Thirdly, the transportation of modules to the project site will begin, followed by the final
erection of the modular elements to complete the building.
Modular manufacturing companies or contractors produce buildings at off-site locations. They
may also act as general contractors on projects, coordinating delivery, installation, site
preparation, and finishing of the building. Alternatively, the modular contractor might be
responsible solely for constructing, delivering, and installing the modules, while a main general
contractor oversees the entire project. The construction of modular building components mainly
happens indoors in factories, protecting materials from bad weather and enabling workers to
operate in comfortable conditions. This modular technique allows building elements to be
manufactured while site preparations are underway, thus saving time. This approach can lead to
earlier occupancy, shorter construction periods, and reductions in labour, costs, and supervision.
Furthermore, modular house construction can allow a project manager or site engineer to save
some time, as the construction of modular houses can occur simultaneously with site work such
as preparation of the sub-structure.
USES/APPLICATIONS OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES IN THE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Modular construction techniques can be adopted in construction sector of civil engineering for a
variety of uses.
1. Modular construction technique can be used to build large modular buildings such as
office complexes, retail shopping centers, churches, temple, mosque, government
facilities, fire stations, schools, medical and health complexes, etc
2. Modular construction technique can also be adopted for building medium residential
buildings as well as high rise buildings, cafeterias, public toilets and other uses that are
usually associated with brick and mortar buildings.
As modular construction techniques save time, they can be utilised for disaster management such
as earthquakes, hurricanes, and other global catastrophes that require emergency shelters and
housing for displaced persons, like in the case of refugee crises in some parts of the world. Hence,
modular construction is best suited to address shelter problems because the process is faster
compared to on-site construction methods.
ADVANTAGES OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE IN T H E
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
1. The modular construction technique saves time because modules are usually produced
in a factory and then transported to the site for installation. This approach reduces both
time and costs, as site preparation and module manufacturing can occur simultaneously.
2. Also, the modular construction technique offers flexibility in design, as modular
buildings can be dismantled, reassembled, and relocated to another site since the
technique can be applied to both temporary and permanent structures.
3. Modular construction technique can save some money because there will be a decrease
in labour and materials, and also the off-site manufacturing of modular components will
only maximise labour efforts and quality, while materials purchase and waste can be
minimised.
INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEMS (IBS)
IBS is defined as an innovative building construction process that utilises the concept of mass
production of industrialised systems, which are manufactured either at the factory or onsite within
controlled environments. It includes logistics and assembly, carried out in proper coordination with
thorough planning and integration. This means that those parts of the building that are repetitive
but difficult, time-consuming, and labour-intensive to produce on-site are designed and detailed as
standardised components in the factory. The definition also emphasises the importance of
coordination between design, manufacturing, and construction. It is important to note that IBS also
involves onsite casting using innovative and clean mould technologies (steel, aluminium, and
plastic).
A generic classification for IBS can be as follows:
1. Frame System (pre-cast or steel)
2. Panellised System
3. On-site fabrication
4. Sub-assembly and components
5. Block work system
6. Hybrid System
7. Volumetric and Modular System
The Characteristics of IBS
The IBS consist of six different characteristics;
a) industrialised in transportation,
b) production and assembly techniques,
c) mass production,
d) onsite fabrication,
e) standardisation (modular coordination) and
f) structured planning and process integration.
While IBS is synonymous with off-site technology or factory production, it also uses on-site
technologies, including on-site casting and mould systems.