Modular buildings generally fall under one of two types - permanent or temporary. CAD systems, additive manufacture (3D printing) and manufacturing control systems are important for modular construction since the components cannot easily be realigned onsite. Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) practices need to be used to make sure the assembly tolerances are controlled and ensure any slack or misalignment can be taken up. The design phase is particularly important in the creation of modular buildings. These PMC structures are designed to remain in one location once built and can include as many storeys as allowed by building regulations. Many of these additional features can be installed before being taken to site, saving construction time later in the process. Permanent modular construction (PMC) can be carried out with a variety of building materials, such as concrete, steel or wood, and can also include provision for adding windows, power supplies, water and sewage pipes, telecommunications, air conditioning and more. Permanent modular buildings, such as prefabricated homes, are built to standards that are equal or higher than traditional site built properties, ensuring high levels of quality control. The modular construction process is completed onsite using inter-module connections (or inter-connections) to tie the units together. These modular units can be placed end-to-end or stacked up to create different configurations. This offsite construction allows the use of lean manufacturing techniques to create the prefabricated modules. 60-90% of the work is completed in a factory-controlled environment, either as a complete structure or as modular subassemblies for a larger project. Modular buildings are manufactured in sections away from construction sites before being delivered to the desired location where they are installed into a final building design. Modular buildings are structures that are constructed in a factory setting before being transported for assembly on site.ĭespite having been used as a method of construction for decades, this type of modular structure is increasingly being used for a wider range of construction projects, ranging from offices and hospitality builds to residential properties, and more. National Structural Integrity Research Centre.Structural Integrity Research Foundation.

Modular building construction process