Identifying the barriers of modular construction in Australia

Designing Research Project 1
Research Statement Proforma
Total number of words contained in this Statement
(excluding Bibliography/References)
1960
Name
School (Discipline) School of Architecture & Built Environment (M.Arch)
Project Title
Identifying the barriers of modular construction in Australia"
Project Summary
Modular construction in Australia holds to the promise of overcoming the difficulties faced in
construction industry. However, a number of construction firms are reluctant and cautious of
embracing the benefits that come with this technology. Despite the research done to address
some of the challenge involved in this innovative system, the Australian modular
construction industry lags among the developed world. Some of the potential barriers
associated with modular construction were highlighted in the literature review. They include
the perception of poor quality, lack of proper mechanism in the production process,
difficulties in securing finances, lack of proper knowledge related to modular products,
challenges in transportation, and architects ignorance of designing for modular projects.

Designing Research Project 2
Project Outline
Introductory Background
While modular construction is considered to be a product of technological advancement and
innovation of materials for construction in the built industry, its conception into the practice
neither involved mass production of materials nor factory involved in the process (Burleton,
et al., 2015). The process of using prefabricated building materials to be assembled on site
existed in the construction industry of the United States since the 17th century (Baldwin &
MacDonald, 2012). However, in the late 18th century, the balloon structured system
revolutionized tremendously in the speed through which construction of new houses could be
built fast without compromising the quality of construction (Bernstein, et al., 2011). During
the World War II, modular construction played a very important part in creating portable
houses for the soldiers, which were then spawned into homes for the returning soldiers. The
modular construction technology have made significant strides in the contemporary world
where architects, developers and contractors have applied this technology beyond the
construction of family houses to the construction of high rise buildings using modular units
(Blismas & Wakefield, 2009). Regardless of the tremendous growth of the technology in the
construction practice, the pervasive adoption of modular components have faced numerous
barriers. The modularity approach of constructing houses have attracted rebellion among the
public as being unstable and the hindrances encountered when coordinating the delivery
framework (Burleton, et al., 2015).In addition, the lack of integration when using the modular
system during the design process have caused a number of exclusions in many construction
projects.

Designing Research Project 3
Modular Building Construction
The process of using assembled three dimensional units is referred to as Modular
construction. The construction is conducted through proper planning and coordination,
logistics is also included as part of the construction. The other names of modular construction
are modular system or volumetric construction (Gambatese & Hallowell, 2010). The modular
building is erected by fitting the three dimensional units, which are then taken to the
construction site and used as the building’s foundation. The dimensional units are made from
a variety of materials, some of which are concrete, light steel frame, composites among
others (Gambatese & Hallowell, 2011). The three dimensional units can be replaced with
panels during composite constructions to increase efficiency.
The main advantage of this type of construction is that it reduces time used during
construction. It also produces quality buildings that are sustainable besides reducing resource
wastage. Modular construction is more efficient where there is a construction of a number of
similar units, for instance, where flats are built (Ghassemi & Becerik-Gerber, 2011). The
three dimensional units may act as full or partial rooms and at other instances they may be
used as serviced units like lifts. These units form an independent structure when gathered.
Where a tall building is needed, the dimensional units may need a framework that is
structurally independent (Ghassemi & Becerik-Gerber, 2011). The components in
conventional and modular buildings are similar.

Designing Research Project 4
Figure 1: modular buildings Source: (Girmscheid & Rinas, 2012)
There are numerous challenges faced by Australian construction companies. There is
an inadequate skilled labourer hence there is increased cost of building construction. The few
workers leads to delays in construction hence reduced productivity (Ikuma & Nahmens,
2012). There is also limited project managers hence complex construction projects lack
proper management (Koroluk, 2013) Construction industry in Australian contributes 13 % to
its economic growth, the number of people employed in the construction sector is almost 1.3
million (Ozerhorn, et al., 2011). In order to solve this problem, it is important that Canadians
adopt modular construction to save of construction time. There will also be increased and
quality productivity in the construction sector. It will also conserve the environment as it is a
less pollutant. (Schoenborn, 2012). The aim of modular construction is to divide a complex
project into smaller section for easier management; this construction method will help solve
the obstacles in Australian’s construction industry.
Historical Background of Modular Construction
Modular construction is among the oldest inventions in the construction industry. It has since
evolved from the 20th century to date (Smith, 2010). The company that pioneered this
invention is the Sears, Roebuck and Company, it started by selling its catalogue to different
construction companies. Housed constructed by this catalogue where the very first to have a