Can modular construction boost productivity?

Modular construction allows for a faster building process, but is it better?


"We are noticing a surge in interest as construction developers are trying alternate ways to build," said Tracey Daniels, communications director for Modular Building Institute, an international nonprofit trade association based in Charlottesville, Va.

Modular construction is a process where portions of the project are built off site. Once together and sealed, the modules become one integrated wall, floor and roof assembly, according to the organization's website. Structurally, modular buildings generally are stronger than conventionally constructed buildings because each module is engineered to independently withstand the rigors of transportation and crane lifting onto foundations.

Modular construction, which includes both permanent and movable buildings, reduces waste through factory production, Daniels said.

Once together and sealed, the modules become one integrated wall, floor and roof assembly, according to the organization's website.

Daniels said as bigger companies – such as Skanska, based in Blue Bell, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., based in Allentown, take on or incorporate modular elements to their projects, smaller companies are beginning to do so, too.

Another benefit is time savings, she said. Instead of having to wait for site work to be done, construction on the building can take place simultaneously, allowing for projects to be done more efficiently.

"You can shave 30 to 50 percent off of the timeline," Daniels said.

Modular construction also is used frequently for urban housing, hotels, hospitals and schools to allow for minimal site disruptions and to reduce on-site traffic, she said.

One of the main points to consider is that if modular construction is the chosen method, it should be decided early in the design process, since it can be harder and more costly to redesign a project, she said.

Modular construction's impact on boosting productivity could be enhanced with the growth of green buildings and technology.

According to a 2011 Smart Market Report from McGraw Hill Construction on "Prefabrication and Modernization: Increasing Productivity in the Construction Industry," the re-emergence of pre-fab and modular as a new trend is tied to the rise of building information modeling (or BIM, which uses software to create 3-D project designs). It also is connected to the increasing interest in green buildings, which influences design and construction processes.

The report takes a look at pre-fab and modular processes and their impact on productivity metrics for the construction industry, including costs, safety, project schedules, quality, eliminating waste and creating green buildings.

The findings from a survey of 809 contractors, architects and engineers showed that:

• 66 percent report that project schedules are decreased; 35 percent said by four weeks or more.

• 65 percent report that project budgets are decreased; 41 percent said by 6 percent or more.

• 77 percent report that construction site waste decreased; 44 percent said by 5 percent or more.

With increasing interest in lean construction, the strong influence of green construction and the rising use of BIM technologies, these factors make pre-fab and modular process a critical trend in the construction industry, the report said.

Here is a useful link to an article about construction waste and modular construction.

http://constructioninformer.com/2013/02/19/modular-construction-promises-less-construction-waste/

And another about a recent modular construction project at Muhlenberg College in Allentown.

http://www.nrb-inc.com/us/dormitories-accomodation/commerical-modular-buildings/three-story-dorm-addition#

Pedersen Brian ( 2013 December 06) Can modular construction boost productivity? Retrieved on December 11, 2013 From LVB.com.

Why Architects Should Choose Modular for their Next Project

Architects might consider the benefits of modular construction for their next project. There are multiple reasons for why this would be a good choice. The great thing about modular construction is that is provides the architect with more flexibility and limitless design opportunities.

Factory built homes or modular homes are built piece by piece in a factory. The customer would work with a modular building company and or architect to design the building to their needs. A customer can choose from a pre-designed floorplans or custom design a layout to meet their specific needs. Modular buildings offer a variety of interior and exterior features to choose from, allowing the customer and architect greater flexibility while remaining within their budget and timeframe.

With modular construction, a great deal of construction takes place in the factory. This creates fewer site disturbances and less material waste. When building in a factory, entire buildings or major components can be reused and there is greater control of inventory, preventing waste and promoting quality construction.

Indoor construction means that workers will not be delayed by poor weather conditions; at least for the parts of the construction that is done indoors. Construction is never delayed from rain or freezing temperatures. Architects who intend to meet a deadline will be confident in their ability to do so with modular construction.

Lastly, architects and customers alike will enjoy the benefits of a green and more environmentally friendly construction method. Modular construction results in less pollution and waste. Buildings can be easily relocated or refurbished for new use, eliminating the need for new construction and reducing the demand for raw materials. Buildings can also be designed with energy efficient features such as daylighting, controllable systems and recycled material.