7001ENG - Research Proposal: Modular Construction Evaluation

This research proposal, submitted for the 7001ENG Research Methods for Engineers course at Griffith University, evaluates modular construction methods for their adaptability and application in various construction scenarios. The proposal explores different modular systems, including modular, panel, concrete, steel, and wood framing systems, considering design, specifications, and variables like project timing and costs. It aims to identify suitable modular construction techniques applicable globally, addressing the need for more economical and faster construction methods. The literature review covers various aspects of modular construction, including design considerations, potential benefits, and the use of prefabrication and panelization. The methodology includes secondary data sources and questionnaires to gather relevant information. The research anticipates a 50-week duration, with deliverables including stakeholder identification, data collection, literature review, proposal writing, and dissemination through journal publications, contributing to a better understanding of modular construction in the engineering field.

Griffith School of Engineering and Built Environment
7001ENG – Research Methods for Engineers
Trimester 01, 2019
Final Assignment – Research Proposal
DECLARATION: I declare that this research proposal contains no material which has been submitted for assessment in any
other subject at Griffith University or elsewhere. To the best of my knowledge and belief, this research proposal contains no
material that has been previously published by any other person, except where due acknowledgement has been made.
Student name: Student number:
Program in which student is enrolled:
Evaluation of Modular Construction
PROJECT SUMMARY
Modular construction has been a common construction method in the majority of developed countries. The term
modular construction brings to mind a system of construction is which essential pieces of structures are sent to the site
when complete or partially completed for purposes of assembly. Currently, there are many contractors and developers
who have switched from conventional construction method to the modular system because it is more economical,
reduce construction waste, and high energy efficiency, and faster construction method. This research seeks to evaluate
the modular construction method that can fit in the construction conduct and techniques of many countries through the
identification or construction methods and products. The decision to apply modular method of construction must be
made from the start of design. The design of modular buildings is normally influenced by services, fire, and structural
requirements.
Some of the types of modular construction systems discussed in this research include wood framing, steel framing,
concrete system, panel system, and modular system. The proposed modular construction techniques that should be
adopted by any contractor or builder globally include modular system, prefabricated wood wall panels, metal stud
concrete panels, and structural insulated panels. The research methodology adopted to ensure that the researcher
gathers suitable data or embrace assessment relating to the research topic include secondary sources and the use of
questionnaires. The selected dissemination strategy for the findings of this research will be through publishing
journals and then distributing them within the institution so that they can be easily accessed by students. This research
is expected to be carried out for a duration of 50 weeks with major expected deliverables including identification of
stakeholders, data collection, project preparation, literature review, proposal writing, and response comparison.
KEYWORDS
Modular construction; prefabrication; panelization; high-rise or low-rise buildings.
1. INTRODUCTION
Modular construction plays a significant role in the current construction world of construction of every structure
currently. This types of construction refer to the manufacture of components in an offsite factory or facility before
installation at the site. The major reason of modular construction is to make building parts in a work environment that
is efficient with availability of specialized equipment and skills so as to minimize time and cost expenditures on the
construction site while promoting consistency and quality. Prefabrication or modular construction despite being a
common construction method in numerous European countries, many countries in Asia are still not familiar with this
approach due to different economic and social systems which favor other methods.
1.1. Background
Modular construction has been a strong part of construction in the United States for more than a century. This
construction method is currently gaining fame due to its affordability and speed. Modular construction became
popular in the US after World War II due to the need of homes of servicewomen and men who returned to the country
after the war hence compelled the builders to construct faster (Pasnur & Patil, 2018). More than 5 million families had
either occupying temporary shelters or moved in with other relatives in congested dwellings by 1947. Some
constructors experimented new market of housing by making their own specifications and designs to assist in building
faster and more structures.
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Numerous developed states have invested in more research modular construction due to their economies that is
fast-growing have compelled builders to construct more economical and faster structures. Developed states in Asia
like South Korea and Japan have also invested in their own building conduct and techniques which is appropriate for
their population, geographies, and economies. The major research gap in the modular construction is that no research
has evaluated the modular construction method that can fit in the construction conduct and techniques globally by
taking into considerations all the design and specifications required in numerous countries (Suk, 2018)
1.2. Aims and Objectives
The overarching aim and objective of this research is to evaluate the modular construction method that can fit in
the construction conduct and techniques through the identification or construction methods and products of modular
construction that are compatible with many states. Other objectives an aims of this research are:
 To illustrates the modular method of construction
 To review modular construction in terms of ability to adapt, performance and availability
 To review designs and specifications in modular construction
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
The common terms used to refer to the modular construction include prefab homes, prefabricated homes, modular
homes, manufactured homes, and factory-constructed homes. The term modular construction brings to mind a system
of construction is which essential pieces of structures are sent to the site when complete or partially completed for
purposes of assembly. Modular construction not only minimizes the cost of construction but also makes a fairly
remunerated and more stable construction industry with improved product development, design creativity, greater
investment research, good working conditions and safety (Tsymbalova, 2016)..
2.1. 1. Modular system
This type of modular system is majorly completed prefabricated system. The term module is used to denote an
entire section or largely completed building built at a facility and then transported to a site for faster installation. The
modular system provided the entire exterior skin such as floors, roofs, doors, walls, and windows, and also comes
with mechanical system, interior finishes, and fixtures. Normally, the units and built in the manufacturing facility and
then conveyed to the site of construction. At the site, the workers use massive cranes for lifting the units and then tag
them on each other (Gunawardena, et al., 2016).
2.1.2. Panel system
This types of modular construction are the most commonly used method during construction. Panels are elements
of planer used in the construction of structural interior partitions, roofs, floors, and walls. Steel penalization and wood
penalization are used for framing walls and are much faster than onsite framing. This system is normally used during
the construction of a small commercial building or house and is quicker to install (NIKOLAEV, 2019).
Figure 1: Panel system (NIKOLAEV, 2019)
2.1.3. Concrete system
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Concrete is the most commonly used material for construction purposes globally. Precast construction is one of
the most common construction methods of prefabricated concrete and involves casting of the concrete component in
the facility and then conveyed to the site (Gjorv, 2013).
2.1.4. Steel framing
Steel is a material that is flexible and can be modified into various shapes and it is normally used to build
structural parts from small parts like beams and columns. The light structure steel is normally assembled at the site of
construction or assembled at the factory. Light-gauge-steel framing for the interior building can be used as interior
wall structure.
2.1.5. Wood framing
Wood is an extremely environmentally friendly and versatile material that can be used as a building material.
Timber frames or wood frames are the most commonly used material in construction. An off-site wood pan are
normally assembled in the factory and then combined to create wood panel that is transported eventually to the site for
construction. Wood frames are normally used in producing wall, attaching slab and installed with other elements like
trim, siding, windows, or doors (Loss & Davison, 2017).
2.2. Modular Construction Considerations
The modular construction system is designed to build more economical and faster structures. Some of the types of
modular construction that can be implemented by any state include multi-family residential and single-family
residential. Single-family residential exists in two different forms, namely single-family detached and single-family
attached (Grogan, 2014). Single-family residential involves detached or attached prefabricated homes which vary in
area and size. The attached homes may be fourplexes, triplex, and duplexes. Multi-family residential comes in
different forms, namely high-rise, mid-rise, and townhomes. Multi-family residential is majorly designed to have
numerous repetitive components like exterior façade.
Figure 2: Modular home (Mikušková, 2014)
2.2.1. Modular Design Considerations
The decision to apply modular method of construction must be made from the start of design. The design of
modular buildings is normally influenced by services, fire, and structural requirements. The strategies implemented to
ensure enough stability of modular assemblies include lateral bracing elements integrated into the building core,
reinforced steel or concrete core, and separate braced structure by the use of hot rolled steel members, and diaphragm
action of bracing or boards within the wall (Boafo, et al., 2016). Modules are combined together to transfer wind
loads and to provide for alternative paths of load in case a single module is severely damaged. With steel modular
units, the wall and roof frames are generally constructed using stud and track method of connection, while sections
are joined together using rivets and bolts, or self-drill fasteners.
Plumbing, electrical and mechanical considerations must be addressed consistently and early in the entire
construction and design process. Plumbing and electrical systems can be configured to almost any specifications,
however, the physical possibility and capability of these systems are viable since the majority of the projects have not
used system that cut edge. Sustainability design is taken care of by the modular construction system. The construction
waste is significantly minimized to 15% from 10% in an ordinary building site to less than 5% in an environment
within the factory (Faludi & Lepech, 2012). Acoustic and insulation benefits of a modular construction method are
major due to the extra materials used in the construction. Approximately 10 to 25% more structural materials are used
in modular buildings which benefits the structure compared to wastage and landfill.
2.2.2. Variables Considered
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The first variable to be considered when using modular construction is the project timing. Modular construction
provided timing savings on numerous fronts. This method enables fast-tracking of modules during construction while
site works if taking place. There are also delays that are likely to be caused by climatic change in the conventional
method. In factory construction, the potential delays are also built into schedules. The assembly or manufactured and
pre-cast parts also saves time and also minimize errors and reconstruction. Factory construction eliminates the need
for every employee to go up the elevator to the ears of construction and then move to the next region (Mikušková,
2014).
Another variable to be considered is project costs and hard cost which are directly affected by the modular
construction method. Hard cost savings are realized since finish work, exterior cladding, steel, and concrete will have
economies of scale. Beyond savings on materials, other savings are expected to be attributed to labour because of
improved job safety, cheaper overall labor market, non-union offsite labour, increased labor efficiency of off-site
construction, and cheaper manufacturing wage rate (Phatak, Khilari, Tambe, & Gaikwad, 2012). Modular
construction also has the material advantage due to reduced maintenance and repair for the project hence reduced
capital expenditures relate to modules. The need to stock raw materials on site compared to the cost of transportation
of finished modules at the company of the manufacturers.
2.3. Potential of Modular Construction
The criteria that have been used to select the most suitable modular construction methods that can be adopted in
numerous states include the potential of the product on various markets globally, easy methods that can be operated
easily by the builders of many countries, the potential to brace or replace existing methods or products, and time
saving (Smakosz & Tejchman, 2014). Based on these criteria above, the selected modular construction products and
methods include modular system, prefabricated wood wall panels, metal stud concrete panels, and structural insulated
panels.
2.3.1. Wood Panelization
Wood panelization or prefabricated wood panels are made from simple set of woods which is similar to the stick-
built method of construction. A set of wood studs is horizontally laid down in the facility before employees connect
them together by lumber and nails similar to stick framing. The panels can either be non-load bearing or a load-
bearing panel. They are normally used for both in the construction of mid-rise multifamily and single-family. The
modular woo panels can also be used for roof and floor units. The modular wood panels are delivered to the site of
construction before being assembled and they are attached easily to both concrete floor structures and wood floor
structures depending on the details (Vaidya, Uddin, & Vaidya, 2010).
2.3.2. Metal stud concrete panel
This is a combination of metal stud and concrete panel and is about 2-inch thick concrete. The process of
production is similar to the panel system process. The concrete layer is connected by a stainless steel anchor with the
metal studs that are connected to the metal stud. The anchor can rotate easily and is flexible, which assist in reducing
the cracks within the thin concrete layer.
Figure 3: Metal stud panelization (Huang, Jiang, Chong, & Wang, 2018)
2.3.3. Structural insulated panels
Structural insulated panels are building a system of high performance that is composed of an insulated foam core
sandwiched amid structural facings which are referred to as stressed-skin panels or sandwich panels. There are three
components of structural insulated panels, namely polyurethane, extruded polystyrene, and expanded polystyrene.
The method of installation is similar to that of the construction of a wood frame (Terentiuk & Memari, 2014).
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Figure 4: Structural insulated panel (Panjehpour & Ali, 2013).
3. METHODOLOGY
The research methodology is characterized as a thoughtful methodology that assures the researcher to gather
suitable data or embrace assessment relating to the research topic through the application of research strategies. The
objective of this research is to evaluate the modular construction system. The various methods that were used in data
collection during the research include:
3.1. Secondary sources
By conducting a literature review, the researcher could gather information relating to the modular construction
system. This research method was used to attain the required objectives and aims of the research such as information
relating to various types of modular construction, the modular construction process, and background of modular
construction (Howie & Bagnall, 2016). The main reason for choosing this methodology is to provide detailed
information concerning the modular construction method in various countries.
3.2. Questionnaires
Questionnaires were also used through electronic media such as email to the various construction companies that
have embraced the modular construction method so as to gather information as to their reason of embracing modular
construction method. This research method assisted in easier, faster, and cost-effective information gathering
approach.
4. DISSEMINATION OF FINDINGS
The selected dissemination strategy for the findings of this research will be through publishing journals and then
distributing them within the institution so that they can be easily accessed by any interested persons. These journals
can also be distributed within the school libraries and national libraries to improve their accessibility for future
researchers. The research can also be made available and accessible online to enable construction companies and
modular factories access the information related to the direction to go for their future modular construction method.
5. PROJECT TIMELINE
This research is expected to be carried out for a duration of 50 weeks and the timeline for the research is as
shown below:
Milestone Deliverables Expected Duration Activity
Milestone 1
Preparation of the
Research
Identification of stakeholders
Data Collection
Project Preparation
Potential review identification
Week 1 to 6
Week 7-10
Week 11 to 12
This milestone illustrates the
initial stage of project
preparations and involves
identification of potential
sources of information
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Milestone 2
Research
Implementation
Literature review
Information and data recording.
Data recording setup
Week 13 to 17
Week 18 to 21
Week 22 to 24
This milestone involves carrying
out the literature review and
identification of research gaps
Milestone 3
Authentication and
examination
Proposal writing
Responses comparisons
Re-writing proposal
Meeting with supervisor
Week 25 to 29
Week 30 to 33
Week 34 to 37
Week 39 to 40
Determining the best study and
consultations regarding the
proposal writing
Milestone 4
Research Delivery
Final proposal
Final proposal presentation
Submission of Final Proposal
Week 41 to 48
Week 49
Week 50
Starting to write the final
proposal and then submitting
6. CONCLUSION
From this research of the evaluation of modular construction method, it is clear that prefabrication can assist in
saving labour and cost of construction. Modular construction as discussed in this research refers to the manufacture of
construction components in an offsite factory or facility before installation at the site. The major reason of modular
construction is to make building parts in a work environment that is efficient with availability of specialized
equipment and skills so as to minimize time and cost expenditures on the construction site while promoting
consistency and quality. The selected modular construction methods and products that can easily be implemented in
numerous markets globally include modular system, prefabricated wood wall panels, metal stud concrete panels, and
structural insulated panels.
7. REFERENCES
Boafo, F., Kim, J.-H., & Kim, J.-T. (2016). Performance of Modular Prefabricated Architecture: Case Study-Based
Review and Future Pathways. Sustainability.
Faludi, J., & Lepech, M. (2012). ECOLOGICAL PAYBACK TIME OF AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT MODULAR BUILDING. Journal
of Green Building.
Ganiron, T., & Almarwae, M. (2014). Prefabricated Technology in a Modular House. International Journal of
Advanced Science and Technology.
Gjorv, E. (2013). Durability design and quality assurance of major concrete infrastructure. Advances in concrete
construction, 1, 45-63.
Grogan, A. (2014). Flatpack cities [modular building]. Engineering & Technology.
Gunawardena, T., Ngo, T., & Mendis, P. (2016). Behaviour of Multi-Storey Prefabricated Modular Buildings under
seismic loads. Earthquakes and Structures.
Howie, P., & Bagnall, R. (2016). A methodology for field-testing concepts through expert practitioner engagement.
International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 20, 401-410.
Huang, J., Jiang, Q., Chong, X., & Wang, D. (2018). Experimental study on precast concrete sandwich panel with
cross-shaped GFRP connectors. Magazine of Concrete Research, 1-49.
Loss, C., & Davison, B. (2017). Innovative composite steel-timber floors with prefabricated modular components.
Engineering Structures.
Mikušková, D. (2014). The Idea of Modularity and Small Prefabrication of Low-Cost Housing Concepts. Advanced
Materials Research, 899, 615-618.
NIKOLAEV, S. (2019). Innovative Replacement of Large-Panel Housing Construction by Panel-Monolithic Housing
Construction (PMHC). Zhilishchnoe Stroitel'stvo, 3-10.
Panjehpour, M., & Ali, A. (2013). Structural Insulated Panels: Past, Present, and Future. Journal of Engineering,
Project, and Production Management, 3, 2-8.
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Pasnur, P., & Patil, K. (2018). Review Paper on “Modular Construction In High Rise Buildings”. Journal of Advances
and Scholarly Researches in Allied Education, 15, 623-625.
Phatak, U., Khilari, S., Tambe, B., & Gaikwad, I. (2012). Challenges in Pre-Cast Construction. International Journal of
Scientific Research, 3, 208-210.
Pihelo, P., Kalamees, T., & Kuusk, K. (2017). nZEB Renovation of Multi-Storey Building with Prefabricated Modular
Panels. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering.
Smakosz, L., & Tejchman, J. (2014). Evaluation of strength, deformability and failure mode of composite structural
insulated panels. Materials & Design (1980-2015), 54, 1068-1082.
Suk, H. (2018). Analysis of Characteristics and Construction Case of Prefabricated Modular Buildings in Disaster
Environment. Design Convergence Study.
Terentiuk, S., & Memari, A. (2014). Seismic Evaluation of Structural Insulated Panels in Comparison with Wood-
Frame Panels. Buildings, 4, 394-417.
Tsymbalova, T. (2016). Modular housing structure in the urban environment. Theory and practice of design.
Vaidya, A., Uddin, N., & Vaidya, U. (2010). Structural Characterization of Composite Structural Insulated Panels for
Exterior Wall Applications. Journal of Composites for Construction, 14, 464-469.
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