Modular Construction

"Modular construction" is one of the most popular developments in civil engineering where a building is constructed off-site using the same materials and designed to the same standards as conventional on-site construction. This innovative building technique limits environmental disruption, delivering components as and when needed, and turning construction into a logistics exercise. It also has strong sustainability benefits, from fewer vehicle movements to less waste. With up to 70 per cent of a building produced as components, it allows a move towards “just in time” manufacturing and delivery. In use in the United States and UK, Chinese developer Broad Sustainable Building recently completed a 57-storey skyscraper in 19 working days using this method.

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 and student residences due to the economies of scale available from many similar sized modules and the particular benefit of reduced site construction time.

Safety Advantages

Modular construction can help eliminate or reduce many hazards associated with traditional construction 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.