Modular construction

Modular construction is the use of volumetric building modules where the units form the structure of the building as well as enclose usable space. Modular construction is particularly popular for hotels, educational facilities such as classrooms and student residences, as well as healthcare facilities. This is due to the economies of scale available from many similar sized modules and the particular benefit of reduced site construction time.[1]

Safety advantages

Modular construction can help eliminate or reduce many hazards associated with traditional construction, and they can be avoided including:

  • Falling from heights, such as roofs. A common method used now is to construct the roof on the ground and lift it into position with a crane later[2]
  • Dropping objects. When construction necessitates working on a building in its finished position, work is often performed at different elevations. This leads to the possibility of objects falling onto other workers.[2]
  • Ergonomic strains. Workers can perform their tasks on smaller pieces of project in easy to access areas to eliminate the need to reach and stretch.[2]
  • Environmental hazards. As with ergonomic hazards, employees can work on the project in a protected environment instead of in the elements. Only needing to be on site for final assembly.[2]

Use of modular construction methods is encouraged by proponents of Prevention through Design techniques in construction. It is included as a recommended hazard control for construction projects in the "PtD - Architectural Design and Construction Education Module" published by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.[2]

Modular construction systems
See also: List of open-source hardware projects § Neither electronic nor mechanical
See also: Circular economy § Construction industry

Open-source and commercial hardware components used in modular construction include: Open beam, Bit beam, Maker beam, Grid beam, Contraptor, OpenStructures components, ...[3][4][5] Space frame systems (such as Mero, Unistrut, Delta Structures, ...) also tend to be modular in design.[6] Other materials used in construction which are interlocking and thus reusable/modular in nature include interlocking bricks[7][8][9].

See also

References
  1. Offsite architecture : constructing the future. Smith, Ryan E.,, Quale, John D. London. 2017. ISBN 9781138821378. OCLC 951742611.CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. "CDC - NIOSH Publications and Products - PtD - Architectural Design and Construction - Instructor's Manual (2013-133)". www.cdc.gov. 2013. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB2013133. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  3. How to Make Everything Ourselves: Open Modular Hardware
  4. MakerBeam description
  5. After more than 30 years, Grid Beam modular construction system comes to market
  6. Analysis, Design and Construction of Steel Space Frames
  7. Interlocking bricks used in Nepal
  8. Bricks that interlock
  9. Conceptos Plasticos interlocking bricks (ie made from plastic waste)
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