Modular Construction: Uses, Technical Issues, and Benefits

Faculty of
Computing, Engineering
and the Built Environment
Coursework Assessment Brief -Resubmission
Academic Year 2017-18
Module: BNV7044 Innovation in Construction
Assessment Title: CWRK002: Report
Assessment Identifier: CWRK002 Weighting:70%
School: School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Module Co-ordinator: Mr.VermyGunaratne and Mr.Nalin Gilbert
Hand in deadline date: See iCity/Moodle on the intranet for details.
http://moodle.bcu.ac.uk
Hand back date: See iCity/Moodle on the intranet for details.
http://moodle.bcu.ac.uk
Re-assessment hand in
deadline date: Will be notified by the ICBT
Support available for
students required to submit
a re-assessment:
Any support required could be requested from the module co-
ordinator via email for the period immediately preceding the hand
in date
NOTE:
At the first assessment attempt, the full range of marks is
available. At the re-assessment attempt the mark is capped and the
maximum mark that can be achieved is 50%.

Contents
See iCity/Moodle on the intranet for details. http://moodle.bcu.ac.uk..........................................................1
See iCity/Moodle on the intranet for details. http://moodle.bcu.ac.uk..........................................................1
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................3
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION...............................................................................................................3
USES/APPLICABILITY OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTIONS.............................................................4
TECHNICAL ISSUES OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTIONS.................................................................4
PREFAB vs MODULAR CONSTRUCTION...............................................................................................5
Prefabricated Buildings..............................................................................................................................5
Modular Construction................................................................................................................................6
EFFECTS/BENEFITS OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION........................................................................6
Greener......................................................................................................................................................6
Faster.........................................................................................................................................................7
Smarter.......................................................................................................................................................7
TYPES OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION................................................................................................8
Permanent Modular Construction..............................................................................................................8
Relocatable Modular Buildings.................................................................................................................9
CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH MODULAR CONSTRUCTION.................................................10
SUSTAINABILITY AND MODULAR CONSTRUCTION......................................................................11
THEORIES & STRATEGIES ASSOCIATED WITH MODULAR CONSTRUCTION...........................12
Modularity Theory...................................................................................................................................12
Modular Construction Components.....................................................................................................12
Pre-Construction Strategies.....................................................................................................................13
MAIN STAKEHOLDERS.......................................................................................................................14
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INNOVATION.......................................................................................14
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................15
References....................................................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
Innovation, inspiration, modern approach, changes are among the key leitmotifs that give shape
to economic reality. Innovations are required for the purposes of the subject that inspire such
changes even while preserving the interest of the context or the environment. This aims at
ensuring that the changes are consistent with the paradigms of the so called sustainable
development.
The categorical nature of construction industry ranges very wide from design solutions, technical
and technological and economic solutions, methods of decision making through efficient
management as well as organisational solutions (Generalova, Generalov and Kuznetsova, 2016).
Looking at it from the perspective of a company, there exist three types of innovations: purchase
of the know-how, through research and development as well as acquiring the material
technologies which include innovative structures, materials and machines.
The use of innovation in construction industry tends not to be straight forward, even with the
great importance of the industry in growth as well as development of wider economy. Each
construction project is of its own kind meaning that the companies involved in the construction
are compelled to adapt their process as well as resources in such a way that every project with its
unique nature is suited. Each site presents a singular prototype that has a configuration that is
ever changing with time. Works of construction are situated in various places and encompass the
constant movement of machinery as well as personnel. Besides, the weather among other factors
may bar consultants from putting into action the previous experience and knowledge in an
effective manner (Chai, Tan, Chow, Ling and Koh, 2018).
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
Modular Construction defines a process in which a building is erected off-site, under regulated
plant conditions with the use of the very materials while designing to same standards and codes
as the conventionally constructed structures- even though in half the amount of time. Buildings
and structures are generated in modules which when set up jointly on the site would be a
reflection of the identical design intention as well as specifications of the most complex site built
structure without any compromise. The prefabricated sections are at times installed using cranes

where modules may be placed by the side of each other, stacked, end-to-end to enable different
range of styles and configurations (Alwan, Jones and Holgate, 2017).
Modular buildings are often as well referred to as prefabricated buildings or otherwise precision
built structures and are normally constructed to equal or even more elevated standards as
compared to the on-site stick-built homes. Such a building method is termed as a permanent
modular construction. Worth noting is that the same materials that are used for stick built are
used in modular homes. Modular homes are neither doublewides nor mobiles homes. They do
not have a meal frame or axles insinuating that they are basically transported on flatbed trucks.
The home is compliant with all the required standards and legislations with regard to type local
building codes.
USES/APPLICABILITY OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTIONS
Modular buildings or constructions may be used as long-terms, permanent or temporary facilities
including construction camps, military and civilian housing, schools and classrooms as well as
industrial facilities (Shahtaheri, Rausch, West, Haas and Nahangi, 2017). They are applicable in
both the remote as well as rural areas in which contemporary construction may not be possible or
otherwise reasonable. Other uses may as well include sales and retail offices, churches, cruise
ship construction, health care facilities, fast food restaurants as well as applicable in areas having
issues with weather for example hurricanes.
TECHNICAL ISSUES OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTIONS
Offsite construction is used, utilizing lean manufacturing methods in prefabrication of single or
multi-story structures in deliverable module areas. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC)
structures are fabricated in a regulated setting; may be developed of wood, steel, or cement.
Modular elements are regularly developed inside on mechanical production systems. Modules'
development may consume as meagre as 240 hours yet more regularly 4-12 weeks. PMC
modules can be incorporated into site fabricated tasks or remain solitary and may be conveyed
with MEP, installations as well as interior finishes (Loss, Piazza and Zandonini, 2016).