Standardisation of the planning grid is important at the scheme design stage, as the planning grid will be controlled by other building components and fitments. The gap between the floor and ceiling is a variable depending on the number of boards and the joist size. Traditional construction projects require that all work be completed on-site and from the ground up. The corner posts provide the compression resistance and are typically 100 x 100 SHS members. In hotels and other residential buildings, each bedroom may form its own compartment. Service strategies that have been used in modular buildings include: A vertical service duct is usually incorporated in the corner of each unit to accommodate the vertical drainage and pipework. Walls. Structural frame of a corner supported module – end view, Longitudinal edge beams of a corner supported module. This includes things like excavation, grading, foundation work, and utility installation. Either a translift or a crane is used to set the modules and construct the completed building. Comments on how modular construction contributes to these indicators are given against each indicator. It comes in several forms – the principal focus of this article is volumetric modular systems. Modules are placed internally within the braced steel frame, as shown in the MoHo project in Manchester (below right). Attachments between modules are made in both horizontal and vertical directions, primarily to transfer in plane forces, but also for structured integrity. SHS posts and bracing can be introduced in the walls to provide for overall stability. The gap between the walls is a variable, depending on the number and thickness of boards and size of the wall studs. All walls are insulated, and are usually boarded externally for weather protection. Modules can be set back from the façade line. For most types of residential buildings and hotels, the corridor ceiling and floor voids act as service zones. In this blog, we’ll answer questions about modular construction methods, types of modular construction, modular construction materials, and much more. The process and design method of modular construction … Modules or boxes are built in the factory, and wrapped and taken by a flat-bed truck to the construction site. You’ve heard of modular construction, and you may have even considered using it for your business. End plates and Hollo-bolts to the SHS members may also be used. Modular structure construction is done using different types of materials such as wood framing, cold-formed steel framing, hot rolled steel, concrete, or a combination of these material assemblages. A typical building form in which larger apartments are created using partially open sided units is shown right. Don’t want to spend the upfront capital to purchase a building? The responsibility for design and coordination usually lies with the building designer. Each module is lined internally with one or two layers of fire resistant plasterboard as follows: In residential construction, each dwelling usually forms a separate fire compartment. Structural insulated panels: A structural insulated panel is otherwise called SIP. For corner supported modules, a standard overall floor and ceiling depth of 600mm may be used. Cladding requirements, including alignment with external dimensions of cladding, Planning grid for internal fit out, such as kitchens, Transportation requirements, including access to the site, Building form, as influenced by its functionality, Modules exceeding 2.9m external width require 2 days notice to the police, Modules exceeding 3.5m width require a driver’s mate and 2 days police notice. The most important zones that manufacturers have to take into consideration are local wind, heat, and snow load zones. Modular construction methods involve individual sections (called modules) that are constructed in a controlled, off-site manufacturing facility and assembled at a building site. Various forms of other modular components have been used in major building projects. Its purpose is to help individuals like you to discover how […], Modular building construction has grown in popularity over the last 40 years and serves a wide variety of industries. Inspections are also performed at the project site during assembly to further verify the building’s structural integrity. Span horizontally over a damaged area by acting as a deep beam ,or. Standard container vehicles can deliver one large or two smaller units. Construction speed. Suitable for buildings with multiple repeated units, Size of units is limited by transport (3.6m x 8m is typical), Open sided units can be created (by changing the floor orientation), Modules are stacked with usually no independent structure, 4 to 10 storeys (6 is usually the optimum), Designing the depth of the floor of the module to be the same as the raised floor or. If you find yourself facing […], © 2015 Vanguard Modular Building Systems. The maximum height of a group of modules is dependent on the stability provided under wind action. The installation of electrical, plumbing and heating services in modular buildings can be largely carried out in the factory with final connections made on-site. It is typically used in residential buildings, particularly of terraced form, comprising modular ‘cores’ for stairs, and highly serviced areas. For example, homes built for final assembly in a hurricane-prone, earthquake or flooding area may include additional bracing to me… The first option would be standard wood-frame construction (Type V B) which is built with standard lumber. Mineral wool is generally used. Fire safety is related to provision of adequate means of escape, to ensuring structural integrity, and controlling spread of fire across compartment boundaries. Plus, they’re more affordable than new buildings. If the module configuration is repeated from other projects, then design time is much reduced. Importantly, the ‘lead-in’ time required for prototype, design and manufacture of bespoke module units should be considered, although detailed design of the modular units can be carried out in parallel with other design activities. A variety of foundations can be used, including strip, trench-fill, pad and piled foundations. The stability of the building generally relies on a separate bracing system in the form of X bracing in the separating walls. Here are just a few of your options for customizing the appearance and operations of your modular building: Just like any building, the life expectancy of a modular building depends on whether it receives regular maintenance. You’re in luck. Two methods of specification by the architect are most commonly used: It should be recognised that each manufacturer undertakes the construction of their modular units differently and they will be prepared to offer advice and provide drawings at the concept stage. What is Modular Construction? In this case, the client’s architect may carry out some of the outline design, and may be novated by the client to work for the contractor. Partially open ended module used in Barling Court, London(Image courtesy of PCKO Architects), Long module with an integral corridor(Image courtesy of Kingspan Off Site and Modular UK). | Privacy Terms, What Is Modular Building Construction? Additional corner posts in the form of square hollow sections are often used. Structural connections between modules are required for integrity and robustness but details vary depending on the form of the module and the particular application. A shallower parallel flange channel (PFC) section may be used to support the ceiling, but in all cases, the combined depth of the edge beams is greater than for 4 sided modules. Modular construction is a form of off-site construction in which a building’s components, or modules, are constructed in a factory setting before being transported to site for assembly. Guidance on transportation on major roads is given by the Road Haulage Association, based on the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations[2]. Difference Between Modular Building Types Modular Trailers. The cellular space provided is limited by the transportation and installation requirements. An Architect’s Guide, SCI P284 Modular Construction in Building Extensions, SCI P367 Energy efficient housing using light steel framing, https://www.steelconstruction.info/index.php?title=Modular_construction&oldid=11885. Two generic systems of facade construction may be considered: Cavity barriers must also be incorporated into any cavity that occurs between the external cladding and the modular structure. Foam in the center … Internal walls comprising the walls of adjacent modules may be designed for a standard 300mm face face overall width, incorporating the sheathing boards, internal plasterboards and insulation between the C sections. Stability provided by cross-flats or diaphragm action of boarding. Two modules can be placed together to create wider spaces. These factories can build walls, rooms, or entire multistory buildings using … There are two main structural materials used in any type of modular construction: While steel and concrete are stronger building materials, wood-framed options are often a less-expensive option. Roofing materials for modular buildings generally comprise tiles supported on battens, or roof sheeting on purlins. As open sided modules are only stable on their own for one or two storeys, additional vertical and horizontal bracing is usually introduced. This thesis will attempt to address the potential impact of high rise modular construction … The corner posts possess sufficient compression resistance for use in buildings at least up to 10 storeys. An open ended module is a variant of a 4 sided module in which a rigid end frame is provided, usually consisting of welded or rigidly connected Rectangular Hollow Sections (RHS). Modular buildings are engineered and fabricated to meet the same building codes as traditionally-built structures. The interface between the roof and the modular units is designed to resist both compression and tension due to wind uplift. Double line of modules with central corridor, Control systems for energy saving provided, Efficient operation and thermal insulation, Depends on public transport and adjacent public amenities (site specific), Raw materials delivered in bulk to factory, Insulation materials selected to suit client needs, Few ‘call backs’ due to quality of production, Safer site operations in modular construction, Safe and clean manufacture and construction, Key worker accommodation and sheltered housing, Public sector buildings, such as prisons and MoD buildings, Economy of scale through repetitive manufacture, Rapid installation on site (6-8 units per day), High level of quality control in factory production, Low selfweight leading to foundation savings, Suitable for projects with site constraints and where methods of working require more off-site manufacture, Limited disruption in the vicinity of the construction site, Useful in building renovation projects, such as roof top extensions, Adaptable for future extensions, and ability to be dismantled easily and moved if required. They are used as toilet/bathroom units, plant rooms or other serviced units and are supported directly on a floor or by a separate structure. Here are a few simple examples of how to calculate your modular building square footage based on the size and number of modules: As module construction is happening at the manufacturing facility, prep work is done at the building site. However, you might still have questions or be unsure about whether modular is right for you. What is Modular Construction? SHS provide the highest compressive resistance and may be used as the corner posts for open sided modules. For example, Westchester Modular Homes builds a home’s rooms and … Designing the module without a floor (possible in small modules in which fitments are attached to the walls). People are most familiar with this type of construction in the use of bathroom pods, which is a common method of construction … Temporary modular buildings typically have a useful life of 20-25 years, but this can be extended if they are well-maintained and periodically renovated. Modular hospital building during installation of, Modular units used in multi storey social housing project in London, Layout of apartments using partially open sided modules – alternate modules are shaded, Primary steel frame used in a fully open sided module, Typical podium structure in which seven storeys of, Balcony attachments to external structure (MoHo, Manchester), Typical wall and floor/ceiling dimensions, Tying forces in modular construction subject to loss of one module by, Typical service duct in a modular hotel building, Compartment floor at junction with external wall and compartment wall, Typical trench-fill foundation detail for masonry cladding, BS EN 10346:2015 Continuously hot-dip coated steel flat products. Guidance on the design and detailing of the most common connection types is given in BS EN 1993-1-8[5]. The framework of the module is often in the form of hot rolled steel members, such as Square Hollow Section (SHS) columns and Parallel Flange Channel (PFC) edge beams, that are bolted together. However, although these sections are compact, their connections can be more complex. Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, SCI P129 Building design using cold formed steel sections: Fire protection, SCI P299 Mini-Piles and Composite Ground Floors for Housing, SCI P302 Modular Construction using Light Steel Framing. However, many common modular building myths remain. Manufacturers of light steel framed modules have prepared their own details of horizontal attachments that satisfy robustness requirements. In modular construction, the procurement process involves the specialist manufacturers. Insulation in the line of the roof pitch is used where a ‘warm roof’ is created. Most importantly, modular buildings can be finished to match the design and facade of surrounding structures to seamlessly blend into your existing facility. However, in most cases, the roof space is ‘cold’, and insulation is placed directly on the upper surface of the modular units. Double skin walls provide excellent acoustic insulation. The module manufacturer acts as a specialist sub-contractor. There are a variety of used modular buildings that are available for leasing. Long modules can also be designed to include an integral corridor, as shown below. The actual width will vary between 200mm for insulated render and board materials to 320mm for brickwork. Here’s a closer look at the timelines for both traditional and modular construction: The infographic below explains the main differences between the traditional and modular construction processes in more detail. Ultimately, modular prioritizes efficiency, durability, and quality control. BSI, Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, TSO, 1986 (amended 2018), BS EN 520:2004+A1:2009 Gypsum plasterboards. Roofs may also be designed as modular units for habitable space, and ease of installation, especially in taller buildings. Temporary modular buildings are commonly located at construction sites or expanding businesses. Definitions, requirements and test methods. Modules exceeding 4.3m width require additional speed restrictions and may require police escort. 4 sided modules can be designed with partially open sides by the introduction of corner and intermediate posts and by using a stiff continuous edge beam in the floor cassette. Various cases are presented in the table for scheme design (based on wind loading in the Midlands of England). In some cases, the roof can be designed to be detachable so that the building can be extended later. The landings and half landings are supported by longitudinal walls with additional angles or SHS members to provide local strengthening, if necessary. Don’t want to own your modular building for business purposes? Wind loads can be transferred horizontally through the corridor floors. For taller buildings, a steel podium frame may be provided on which the modules are stacked and supplemented by a concrete or steel core. The modular manufacturers have developed their own proprietary locating and fixing mechanisms to aid the positioning of units on the foundations. The following basic requirements for transportation should be considered when designing the sizes of modular units: Stricter limits may be required for local roads, particularly in urban areas. Strip or trench-fill foundations are most common. Therefore, it may be important to design a floor depth to a multiple of 75mm in order to avoid non standard coursing of bricks. The most common modular construction materials include Modular units are lightweight and therefore foundations may be smaller than in traditional construction. There are primarily two framing types used in modular construction. Flat roofs can also be constructed with a variety of weatherproof finishes. A modular building is simply a property that has sectional modules that are prefabricated and can be configured to seamlessly join together to create a building that meets precise specifications. The horizontal distribution of services between modules varies, depending on the building type. Pre-assembled buildings designed for permanent use can be multiple stories high. A separate bracing system may also be required, as the partially open-sided modules may not possess sufficient shear resistance in certain applications. Alternatively, they can be supported entirely by the modular structure. But the advantages do not stop there, so we are going to list all the benefits of a modular construction: 1. The maximum width of opening is limited by the bending resistance and stiffness of the edge member in the floor cassette. Overall stability is provided by the modules themselves, or by an external structure. On the other, it is a building erected in a more efficient and sustainable way compared to a traditional construction. All walls and floors that provide a separating function between compartments require 60 minutes fire resistance. The collection of discrete modular units usually forms a self-supporting structure in its own right or, for tall buildings, may rely on an independent structural framework. Modules can be placed side by side to create larger open plan spaces, as required in hospitals and schools, etc. An example of the mixed use of modules and primary steel frame is shown below left. Permanent modular buildings don’t have a limited lifespan and can last as long as traditional construction. We recently released a podcast series called, “Built Modular”. In plane forces can be transferred by suitable connections at the corners of the modules. In this case, the supporting columns are positioned at a multiple of the width of the modules (normally 2 or 3 modules). External walls are detailed according to the type of cladding, but a 300mm total wall width may be adopted as a guide for most cladding materials. Nevertheless, the cladding options and building height may dictate the foundation design. In this ‘hybrid’ or mixed form of construction, long modules may be stacked to form a load-bearing serviced core and floor cassettes span between the modules and load-bearing walls. Manufacturers use the method which best suits their manufacturing process and for which appropriate test data are available. Modules may be designed to provide fully open sides by transfer of loads through the longitudinal edge beams to the corner posts. The architect may specify the manufacturer who will undertake the detailed design work. These factories can build walls, rooms, or entire multistory buildings using the same materials, codes, and standards as conventionally built construction. The levelling of the foundations or ground beams is crucial to the subsequent installation and alignment of the modular units. The concept of using sustainability indicators is becoming accepted as part of the environmental assessment of building construction. construction methods, streamlined construction process, reduced material waste and higher construction quality. The effect of transportation logistics on costs and module sizes. Traditional, in which an architect provides the design co-ordination and the general contractor provides the construction co-ordination. These must resist the spread of smoke and flame and are required between all separate dwellings or fire compartments. A dimensional unit of 300mm may be adopted as standard for vertical and horizontal dimensions, reducing to 150mm as a second level for vertical dimensions. Design of joints. … Everything You Need to Know, Steel and concrete (Type II-B non-combustible) construction, Drywall or VCG (vinyl-covered gypsum) interior wall finish, Acoustical ceiling (also known as drop ceiling), Carpeting (rolled carpet or carpet tiles), VCT (vinyl composite tiles) or ceramic tiles. Current Practices and Future Potential in Modern Methods of Construction 65. Further information on pile foundations is given in SCI P299. These industries include (but are not limited to): Modular construction methods are often compared to building with blocks, because each building section is constructed to fit perfectly with the next one. However, conventional trussed rafter or purlin roofs are mostly used. Corridor zone can be used to provide in-plane bracing in long buildings. Because they’re built in sections, modular buildings even undergo structural inspections throughout the construction process. Alternatively, non load bearing modules can be supported by a primary frame, and are installed as the construction proceeds.