Discover the potential of lightweight building materials in offsite construction

Modular construction, also known as offsite construction, is gaining momentum as a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional building methods.

Innovative building materials and techniques are used in modular projects to revolutionize the construction industry. These lightweight materials play a crucial role in achieving the numerous benefits offered by modular practices (Cheng et al., 2018). But what exactly is the role of lightweight building materials such as gypsum boards, fiber cement boards, and composite boards in offsite construction, and why is the industry embracing them?

As a response to the need for rapid affordable construction, the modular approach was adopted in the early 20th century. And since then, the industry has increasingly recognized the benefits of offsite construction.

Offsite construction is the process of assembling and manufacturing building components in a controlled environment, i.e a factory setting, before transporting them onsite. To achieve the optimal results that modular construction promises, firms should carefully select the products they operate with. Lightweight, innovative, and ecofriendly products are the main pillars.

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Gypsum boards, fiber cement boards, and smart composite boards are essential components contributing to its success.

Gypsum boards offer versatility, ease of installation, and excellent performance including fire resistance, moisture resistance, impact resistance, seismic resistance and more (Arif et al., 2009).

In its turn, fiber cement boards provide durability, high thermal and acoustic as well as other performances, and compatibility with various finishes for external and internal applications (Akinmusuru, 2016).

These materials not only ensure the structural integrity of modular buildings but also enhance their performance and sustainability.

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With all that being said, modular units offer the following benefits:

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? SPEED

Lightweight materials enable swift project completion due to their compatibility with prefabrication. They are easy to install, they minimize onsite modifications, and reduce curing time further enhancing the efficiency and speed of completion of modular buildings.

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?? GREEN CONSTRUCTION

Lightweight materials play a vital role in enhancing the sustainability of modular construction. They are ecofriendly, recyclable, and energy efficient materials with durability and performance that promote long-lasting, low maintenance structures.

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?? QUALITY

Lightweight building materials like gypsum boards, fiber cement boards, and smart composite boards excel in factory. Their precise installation, consistent quality and performance minimize errors, prevent wrapping or damages during manufacturing. By using lightweight products in a factory setting defect are close to non.

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?? CUSTOMIZATION

The versatility and adaptability in the design of lightweight materials contribute to the custom features of modular construction. Their wide range of architectural styles, various finishes, and textures ensure a flawless aesthetic appeal to modular buildings.?

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?? REDUCED DISRUPTION

Lightweight materials are pre-manufactured and pre-cut to the required dimensions in a controlled factory setting, ensuring the onsite assembly process becomes streamlined, less noisy, with less dust emission, and less disturbance to the surrounding environment.

At BEAM Consolidated, we play a paramount role in the structure, quality, performance, and sustainability of modular construction by manufacturing and supplying top-notch lightweight materials to many modular construction partners in Saudi Arabia like #NEOM with NEOM Men Camp, Al Fanar 20k NEOM Construction Village (NCV), and Neom Oxagon Base Camp as the main projects.

With the increase in demand for affordable and eco-friendly building solutions, modular construction is a promising method to answer many of the challenges faced by traditional methods.

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Shape a better future with BEAM Consolidated.

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References:

Akinmusuru, J. O. (2016). Performance characteristics of fiber cement boards in building construction. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 14(4), 842-859.

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Arif, M., Egbu, C., Hale, J., & Khalfan, M. M. A. (2009). Measuring knowledge retention in construction projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 7(1), 27-47.

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Cheng, R., Chen, L., & Lu, Q. (2018). A review on energy performance of modular buildings. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 81, 2430-2442.