construction science prefabrication
October 18, 2013
Prefabrication doesn’t mean Old School
Modular construction has been around since the early 1900’s in the form of prefabrication but the way it is used has changed. Modular construction uses many trades to build a portion of the entire construct off site, such as complete walls with insulation, sheet rock and electrical compared to the traditional prefabrication that utilized only one trade. Due to the repetitive nature in commercial buildings, these are the most desired for this form of construction. Based on a survey of contractors in Contractors Magazine concerning modular construction 77% reported a decrease in waste, 65% reported a decrease in the project budget, and 66% reported a decrease on project time schedules. There are also benefits to modular construction concerned with the speed of the production for these units at the factory where they are made. The units are made almost at the level of a production line and unlike out in the field the workers can build the units at a comfortable level along with enjoying a controlled environment. The factory style of building these units allows for employees to enjoy less stress on their bodies, minds, and personal vehicles which allows the employee to have a longer career. The benefits for the client include enjoying dictation of scheduling, a safer environment at the job site with less debris, and higher quality product.
What are the problems with this form of construction which have led to it not being more widely used? The main problem with modular construction is the perception that these prefab units are only temporary and not structurally sound. We-as contractors-need to learn about new processes like modular construction, implement them, and then inform others in our fields on the advantages and ways of implementation. We can learn a lot from the European and British construction industries since they have been using this process much longer and have been enjoying greater
Prefabrication doesn’t mean Old School
Modular construction has been around since the early 1900’s in the form of prefabrication but the way it is used has changed. Modular construction uses many trades to build a portion of the entire construct off site, such as complete walls with insulation, sheet rock and electrical compared to the traditional prefabrication that utilized only one trade. Due to the repetitive nature in commercial buildings, these are the most desired for this form of construction. Based on a survey of contractors in Contractors Magazine concerning modular construction 77% reported a decrease in waste, 65% reported a decrease in the project budget, and 66% reported a decrease on project time schedules. There are also benefits to modular construction concerned with the speed of the production for these units at the factory where they are made. The units are made almost at the level of a production line and unlike out in the field the workers can build the units at a comfortable level along with enjoying a controlled environment. The factory style of building these units allows for employees to enjoy less stress on their bodies, minds, and personal vehicles which allows the employee to have a longer career. The benefits for the client include enjoying dictation of scheduling, a safer environment at the job site with less debris, and higher quality product.
What are the problems with this form of construction which have led to it not being more widely used? The main problem with modular construction is the perception that these prefab units are only temporary and not structurally sound. We-as contractors-need to learn about new processes like modular construction, implement them, and then inform others in our fields on the advantages and ways of implementation. We can learn a lot from the European and British construction industries since they have been using this process much longer and have been enjoying greater
Cited: Jackson, Sheryl. "It 's not your grandparents ' mail-order home." Constructor Magazine. March 2013: 27-34. Print. Kaye, Leon. "Modular building could lead the way in China 's commercial construction." the guardian. 26 Jul. 2012: n. page. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. . Ribenstein, Dana. "New York moves into a modular construction phase." capital New York. 05 Aug. 2013: n. page. Web. 18 Oct. 2013. .