AMR Future Brief| How Are Modular and Prefabricated Construction Reshaping Modern Buildings with Innovative Solutions?

Traditionally, the construction industry was characterized by its traditional and labor-intensive methods. However, with rapid technological advancements, the industry has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of modular and prefabricated construction. These innovative approaches are redefining how buildings are designed, manufactured, and assembled, offering numerous benefits such as reduced construction time, cost savings, improved quality, and sustainability.??

Understanding modular and prefabricated construction?

Modular and prefabricated construction includes the off-site fabrication of building components, which are then transported to the construction site for assembly. In modular construction, entire building sections, known as modules, are constructed in a factory setting. These modules are fully structured with walls, floors, ceilings, plumbing, and electrical systems. Once transported to the site, they are assembled as building blocks to form the final structure. However, prefabricated construction encompasses a broader range of building components, including panels, trusses, and other elements. These components are manufactured off-site and then transported to the construction site, where they are assembled to create the building.??

Factors driving the rising adoption of modular and prefabricated construction?

This modern age construction approach possesses several compelling advantages over traditional construction techniques. One of the most significant benefits of this type of construction is the reduced construction time. Since components are manufactured in a controlled factory environment simultaneously with site preparation, the overall project timeline is significantly shortened. This parallel construction process reduces build times by up to 50%.??

Moreover, these streamlined construction processes result in cost savings because of their significant benefits. Factory-controlled manufacturing reduces labor costs, minimizes material waste, and mitigates the risk of delays caused by weather conditions. Additionally, the shorter construction timeline leads to lower financing costs and faster revenue generation for developers.?

With the rising demand for sustainable practices across every industry, these methods contribute to reshaping the construction industry. The controlled factory environment of these processes minimizes material waste. They also support efficient use of resources which reduces the carbon footprint. Additionally, these methods require less time to build modules which results in fewer on-site disturbances and lower energy consumption.?

Further, these construction approaches offer flexibility in design and scalability. Modules are easily adapted or expanded to meet the changing needs of modern age construction. This makes these processes suitable for a wide range of projects, from residential buildings to commercial complexes and healthcare facilities.?

New modular construction technology developed by Korean researchers?

In December 2023, researchers at Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology introduced a new modular construction method capable of building structures by assembling modular components within a short time, particularly in cases of emergencies or disasters. The modular construction process involves fabricating about 70% to 80% of the major members and components of the target structure in factories in advance. They are then transported to the construction site to complete the construction with simple assembly and installation processes. This method is differentiated from conventional field operation-oriented construction methods.??

This novel method is increasingly recognized as a key construction solution for the future due to its immense potential to address the increasing safety demands in the construction sector. Moreover, compared to conventional methods, this approach generates less noise, dust, and waste. They can also be recycled or repurposed later, contributing to the promotion of environmental, social, and governance management.?

The new modular construction method developed by a research team from KICT is suitable for use in modern structures. It is a box-type infill module whose floor, inner walls, and roof are prefabricated in a factory. It is then plugged in a U-shaped PC module with a wall-type load-bearing structure. The U-shaped PC module includes a floor and two side walls, and the infill module is inserted through its upper opening. These modules are prefabricated in a factory and simply assembled at the construction site, leading to a faster and more straightforward construction process.?

A look into the latest modular and construction industry updates?

In September 2023, the city of Malm? in southern Sweden welcomed a new student housing project, namely, Unity Malm?, consisting of 5 building blocks and 450 micro-living flats. Under this project, Forta PRO, a world-leading modular construction company delivered 269 modules totaling 9,671.9 meter square. Through this project, the company plans to offer advanced solutions for the construction & expansion of apartments, healthcare solutions, hotels, student housing, rental apartments, and other facilities with minimal disruptions to surrounding operations.??

In February 2023, Modular Group Investments Ltd., an active and innovative investment group acquired Oakland Glass Ltd., the premier manufacturer of Double & Triple glazed insulated glass units. With this acquisition, Modular Group aimed to add significant capacity and capabilities in insulated double-glazed glass manufacturing units, leading the way for future construction operations.?

In a nutshell, modular and prefabricated construction are revolutionizing the construction industry by offering a faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to traditional building methods. Their unparalleled advantages and sustainable approaches make them ideal for future construction. Moreover, with rapid technological advancements, these methods are expected to meet the growing demands of global urbanization.?

To gain more insights into the latest developments in modular and prefabricated construction, feel free to reach out to our esteemed analysts here! For any further assistance, you can also directly chat with them.?

? **?????????????? ????????????: Rosy Behera?