Feasibility and Implications of the Modular Construction Approach for Rapid Post-Disaster Recovery

Abstract

The adverse social and financial impacts of catastrophic disasters are increasing as population centers grow. In recent years, destroying homes and infrastructures has resulted in a major loss of life and created countless refugees. For example, Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 damaged over 214,700 homes in New Orleans and forced over 800,000 citizens to live outside of their homes due to flooding. After disastrous events, the government agencies have to respond to post-disaster housing issues quickly and efficiently and provide sufficient resources for temporary housing for short-term disaster relief and reconstruction of destroyed and damaged housing for full rehabilitation. Modular construction is a promising solution for improving the process of post-disaster housing reconstruction because of its inherent characteristic of time-efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the potentials and feasibility of the prefabricated/modular construction approach that can be adapted to facilitate the post-disaster recovery process. An extensive literature review has been carried out to identify the features of modular construction, which can add value to the post-disaster recovery process. To investigate the suitability and practicability of implementing modular construction for post-disaster reconstruction and to identify major barriers of its implementation, a survey has been conducted among Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) experts who have experience in prefabrication/modularization, and/or involved in post-disaster reconstruction projects. The results of the study indicate that prefabricated/modular construction is a promising approach to improve time-efficiency of post-disaster reconstruction and tackle challenges of current practices by its unique benefits such as reduced demand for on-site labor (overcome local labor pool constraints impacted by the disaster) and resources (overcome the shortage of equipment and materials), shorter schedule (due to concurrent & non-seasonal), reduced site congestion, and improved labor productivity (due to assembly line-like and controlled environment).

Combined Application of 4D BIM Schedule and an Immersive Virtual Reality on a Modular Project: UNLV Solar Decathlon Case

“…Nahmens and Ikuma [30] suggested applying a lean concept as a viable and effective strategy in modular homebuilding. In addition to this, modularization research topics have been related to a simulation model for lifting a modular house [31]; a business case analysis model [32]; innovative approaches for project standardization [33]; rapid postdisaster recovery [34]; and dimensional quality on modular construction [35]. With various modularization research, none have specifically addressed the application of 4D BIM scheduling with VR.…”

Comparison of Cost and Energy Efficiency of Prefabricated Residential Modules with Various Construction Material Combinations

“…The floor and roof applications prestressed concrete sandwich provides exceptional thermal insulation properties and durability [16].However, there are challenges encountered in the development of thin precast concrete sandwich panels which includes concerns regarding panel durability, thermal bridging, and cracking [17]. It is mandatary prerequisite to design affordable housing which would be financially accessible for individuals and families with lower incomes or for rapid post-disaster recovery which can be achieved with the help of modular construction [18][19][20]. In Jordan, shelters were designed using locally available materials and prefabricated components for easy on-site assembly [21].…”

Potential of Modular Offsite Construction for Emergency Situations: A New Zealand Study

“…The negative social and financial consequences of natural disasters are becoming more severe as population centers expand. In recent years, the desecration of houses and infrastructure has resulted in numerous deaths and refugees [1]. Several scholars have described and researched the disaster from multiple viewpoints.…”