Modularisation Strategies for Individualised Precast Construction—Conceptual Fundamentals and Research Directions

Abstract

Modular precast construction is a methodological approach to reduce environmental impacts and increase productivity when building with concrete. Constructions are segmented into similar precast concrete elements, prefabricated with integrated quality control, and assembled just-in-sequence on site. Due to the automatised prefabrication, inaccuracies are minimised and the use of high-performance materials is enabled. As a result, the construction process is accelerated, and the modules can be designed to be lightweight and resource-efficient. This contribution presents the fundamentals of modular constructions made from precast concrete components. Then, to elaborate the requirements of a contemporary modular precast construction, the historic developments are described. Further, concepts and technical processes–comprehensible to non-expert readers–are introduced to formalise the discussion about the current state-of-the-art methods. Three case studies treating ongoing research are introduced and related to the conceptual fundamentals. The research is evaluated with regard to current barriers and future directions. In conclusion, modular precast construction is able to reduce emissions and increase productivity in the sector if researchers and firms coordinate the development of suitable technologies that bring value to critical stakeholders.

Sensitivity-Based Permutation to Balance Geometric Inaccuracies in Modular Structures

“…Support is provided by springs at the nodes a and b in order to avoid kinematics, but with very low stiffness (c → 0) to permit deformation due to temperature constraints (b). For each node, ∆T a or ∆T b is determined from Equation (1).…”

“…Support is provided through directional springs at all nodes, which again have very low stiffness (c → 0) to permit deformations (b). The geometric deviations at the nodes are converted into temperature constraints (c) according to Equation (1). Assuming again a linear course of the temperature distribution, the equivalent ∆T i per node i corresponds to twice the equivalent temperature.…”

“…x* is then increased by ∆ for one or more parameters and thus forms the starting point x (1) . The following points x (i+1) are generated from the previous point x (i) by increasing or decreasing a random parameter j with j = 1, .…”

“…Modular structures are built up from (precast concrete) components. These offer the advantage that they can be prefabricated in a quality-assured, automated manner [1]. Thus, construction on site is limited to the mere assembly of the modules, which considerably accelerates the building process.…”

“…Modular construction [10] is most effective when the same element is mass-produced in automated fashion [1]. Therefore, structures are segmented into a large number of equal (or similar) components that form construction kits [11][12][13][14].…”