Modern Methods of Construction

Question 1

What is meant by modern methods of construction?

Answer 1

• Modern methods of construction refers to construction whereby ELEMENTS ARE MANUFACTURED OFF-SITE and TRANSPORTED TO SITE FOR INSTALLATION.

Question 2

What is the difference between modern methods of construction and traditional construction?

Answer 2

• Traditional construction refers to construction whereby ELEMENTS ARE LARGELY CONSTRUCTED ON SITE. Each phase generally needs to be completed before the next phase begins.
• Modern methods of construction refers to construction whereby elements are manufactured off-site and transported to site for installation. Each phase can generally proceed simultaneously in terms of manufacturing.

Question 3

What types of modern methods of construction are available?

Answer 3

• Volumetric construction – 6 sided building modules
• Panellised construction – SIP’s
• Hybrid construction – steel frame and timber floor or incorporating pre-cast concrete into a structure
• Sub-components – pre-assembled windows and doors

Question 4

What is volumetric construction?

Answer 4

• Three-dimensional units produced in a factory and transported to site.
• Examples of volumetric construction include kitchen and WC pods consisting of fully fitted kitchens and WCs within a non-structural independent structure.

Question 5

What is panellised construction?

Answer 5

• Flat panel units produced in a factory and transported to site for assembly into a three-dimensional structure.
• Examples of panellised construction include closed panels (containing fully fitted windows, doors, internal finishes and external cladding), structural concrete panels (including fitted brick slips and insulation) or curtain walling.

Question 6

What is hybrid construction?

Answer 6

• Combination of volumetric construction and panellised construction.
• Examples include volumetric construction of kitchens and WC’s combined with panellised construction used to form the structure of the building.

Question 7

What are sub-component modern methods of construction?

Answer 7

• Larger components produced in a factory that can be transported to site for incorporation in conventionally built or modern buildings.
• Examples include pre-fabricated foundations, pre-fabricated roof structure, pre-fabricated floor / roof cassettes (panels).

Question 8

What are the advantages and disadvantages of modern methods of construction?

Answer 8

Advantages include:
- Decreased construction times as construction and manufacturing can run simultaneously.
- Ability to overcome skill shortages within construction industry as key elements built within a factory.
- Major parts of the construction take place within a factory meaning adverse weather has less of an effect on programme.
- Improved energy efficiency as pre-fabricated units can be built to an exact specification.

Disadvantages include:
- Lack of flexibility regarding design changes.
- Difficulties in transporting large units to site.