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Modern Method �of �Construction

Dr Adewale Abimbola, FHEA, GMICE.

www.edulibrary.co.uk

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Aim: Modern Method of Construction.

Objectives: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:� - Identify and define modern methods of construction.�- Evaluate the modern methods of construction.

Aim & Objectives

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Why the Construction Industry is Changing its Processes?������

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    • To meet government’s target of ‘’Zero Carbon Emissions’’
    • Lower Cost
    • Faster Delivery
    • Improvement in exports (of products and materials)
    • To bridge the skill gap in the industry
    • To tackle shortage in housing supply

Refer to UK government report ‘’ Industrial Strategy: government and industry in partnership’’.

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Definition & Difference - Traditional and Modern Methods of Construction

  • What makes a method of construction modern?
  • Modern method of construction follows a less linear process, where offsite or modular construction techniques are used. It uses cutting edge technology: use of innovative materials, precision manufacturing techniques and digital working.
  • Modern method of construction is a way of working more effectively, to achieve more, while using less.
  • The desire to deliver new housing quickly after the Second World War by using off-site construction techniques.

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Overview of MMC Definitional Framework - House of Commons, 2019.

Category 1 – Pre-Manufacturing – 3D primary structural systems: structural/load-bearing modular or volumetric systems, etc.

Category 2 – Pre-Manufacturing – 2D primary structural systems: flat panel units, external cladding, floors, stairs & roof, etc.

Category 3 – Pre-Manufacturing – Non systemised structural components: pre-assembled roof trusses, shear walls, beams, columns, floor slabs, driven/screw piling, etc.

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Category 4 – Pre-Manufacturing – Additive Manufacturing: 3D printing, etc.

Figure 1. Categories of MMC (Cast Consultancy, 2019)

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Overview of MMC Definitional Framework - House of Commons, 2019.

Category 5 – Pre-Manufacturing – Non-structural assemblies and sub-assemblies: Non-structural volumetric pods (bathroom, kitchen, etc.), floor and partition cassettes with horizontal and vertical services, etc.

Category 6 – Traditional building product led site labour reduction/productivity improvements/materials innovation: easy site install/jointing/interfacing features such as brick slips and flexible pipework, large format walling products, large format roofing finishes, etc.

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Category 7 – Site process led labour reduction/productivity improvements: insulated concrete formwork, modular scaffold, lean construction techniques, workface robotics, AR/VR, BIM, exoskeletons, drones, GPS, technology-led plant and machinery, etc.

Figure 1. Categories of MMC (Cast Consultancy, 2019)

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Self-assessment Task

Refer to the link below and identify one example each of the different category of modern method of construction definitional framework.

MMC-I-Pad-base_GOVUK-FINAL_SECURE.pdf (cast-consultancy.com)

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MMC – Modular construction [Categories 1 & 5]

Types of Modules

  • 4-sided modules with load-bearing walls: mainly used for cellular-type spaces.

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  • Open-sided modules with corner posts: mainly used for large open plan spaces.

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MMC – Modular construction [Categories 1 & 5]

Types of Modules

  • Stair and lift modules

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  • Non-load bearing modules: bathroom modules, specialist modules such as balconies.

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MMC – Modular construction�[Categories 1 & 5]

Use

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MMC – Frames [Category 2]

  • Timber frame construction

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  • Use of steel frames in various format e.g. portal frame

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  • Use of reinforced concrete frames

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MMC – Just in Time deliveries (JIT) [Category 7]

  • Just in time (JIT) delivery, or just in time logistics is defined as receiving raw materials, products and parts in the factory and then on site as they are needed, rather than days or even weeks before.
  • In the 1960s many of the industrialised prefabrication systems relied on components being delivered to site and incorporated into the construction on arrival or within a few hours.
  • Most concrete is also delivered on the JIT principle. Another example is windows or glazed cladding panels, where on-site storage would necessitate extensive inventory facilities and potential risks of product damage.

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MMC – Just in Time deliveries (JIT) [Category 7]

  • It is debatable whether or not the construction industry could go totally to JIT, because of uncontrollable factors when working outside, like the weather and finding the unexpected when working in the ground.
  • JIT in construction has also been referred to as lean construction.

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Benefit- Modern Methods of Construction.

Cost on site

  • A smaller workforce is required to construct a building in a factory setting. Less workers means less wage costs; keeping building prices more affordable.
  • Human cost: onsite construction’s most dangerous hazards like fall from height and equipment accidents, are not an issue in the factory.

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Benefit- Modern Methods of Construction.

Environmental Impact

  • Offsite construction doesn’t require as much heavy machinery and uses up much less energy than traditional methods of construction.
  • Transportation to onsite is greatly reduced, as fewer vehicles are required as the building materials have already been built offsite.
  • Waste reduction, especially as the required building materials can be more accurately calculated offsite.

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Benefit- Modern Methods of Construction.

Productivity on Site

  • Design complexity and testing can be worked out and solved offsite before getting to the site.
  • Productivity is slowed when variables such as adverse weather conditions are introduced into the mix.
  • Faster construction

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Benefit- Modern Methods of Construction.

Efficiency

  • Precision assembly tracked by BIM and dynamic database through design, specification, procurement, construction/assembly, quality control & finishing, handover, letting/selling, occupation & management, depreciation, and replacement and recycling and renewal.
  • Lifecycle performance monitoring/tracking through BIM, Prop Tech, big data, AI and the internet of things.

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Risk/limitation- Modern Methods of Construction.

  • Supply chain: since limited suppliers are used, this may pose adverse effect on the construction if one business becomes insolvent/bankrupt.
  • Lack of skilled workers in the construction industry.
  • Risk of fire during construction; especially for timber frame (Paton, 2014).

University of Nottingham fire: Multi-million pound chemistry lab destroyed in blaze | The Independent | The Independent

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Group-assessment Task

Using the construction case study video below,

(51) 30-Story Building Built In 15 Days (Time Lapse) - YouTube

  • Identify any three modern construction processes and sequences used for the superstructure.
  • Explain any three advantages and three disadvantages of these method.

Individual watch (Extra):

Modulek LTD - Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Training Pavilion - YouTube

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References/Bibliography

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