Quantifying Advantages of Modular Construction: Waste Generation

Loizou, Loizos; Barati, Khalegh; Shen, Xuesong; Li, Binghao

doi:10.3390/buildings11120622

Cited by 33 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Moreover, it improves the social interests of society through improved working conditions. The assembly on the construction site has environmental benefits due to both a significantly shorter and more stable construction process and through a low-waste and low-emission construction site [7]. Economic potentials can be found by the reduced construction time due to the singular assembly of the modules.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, due to the repetition effect, the production costs can be recorded more accurate. With a higher degree of prefabrication, the duration of the construction phase can also be reduced, which, among other things, reduces the general construction site costs [7]. The stationary prefabrication of the modules also achieves a better, homogeneous quality.…”

Section: Modular Construction and Its Advantagesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Correlation between modular construction and sustainability in the building life cycle

Schnell

2022

E3S Web Conf.

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Modular and prefabricated construction is increasingly regarded as a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional construction methods; and is more than just a trend of the last few years. It is often described with the characteristics “fast and cheap” which gives the appearance of standing in great contrast with sustainability. However, modular construction and sustainability are more strongly correlated than one might think. The notion of sustainability in the life cycle of modular construction will be elucidated in this article. First, it is necessary to recognise the fundamental changes and possibilities that arise through modular construction in every phase of the building life cycle. Key differences are both the increased emphasis on early project stages with the need for obligatory statements and changing parameters for maintenance, repair, and renovation work. Likewise, there are differences between the possible types of modularisation, e. g. between MEP racks and ceiling panels. The more extensive and detailed the structure and degree of prefabrication of a module, the higher the potential of sustainable aspects. To evaluate the individual types of modularisation, categories, and subject areas from the certification systems BREEAM, LEED and DGNB were used. The result is presented in a matrix that shows the potential of each modularisation type for the defined subject area of sustainability. Based on this, the matrix has been refined for each party involved in the building life cycle. The result illustrates the existing potential between modular construction and the various aspects of sustainability and provides an overview on how much influence can be exerted by every individual stakeholder in the life cycle phases of a building.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Modular Construction and Its Advantagesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Correlation between modular construction and sustainability in the building life cycle

Schnell

2022

E3S Web Conf.

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show abstract

“…-However, this study evaluated only the material production stage and did not perform a comprehensive comparison between the modular method and the traditional RC method. In particular, favorable aspects, such as ease of recycling and reduction of waste, were not considered in the evaluation of modular construction [77]. More meaningful research results will be obtained if economic efficiency and environmental assessment are reevaluated through a full life cycle cost analysis that considers embodied carbon emissions.…”

Section: Safetymentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison of the Embodied Carbon Emissions and Direct Construction Costs for Modular and Conventional Residential Buildings in South Korea

2022

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Modular construction is an innovative new construction method that minimizes waste and improves efficiency within the construction industry. However, practitioners are hampered by the lack of environmental and economic sustainability analysis methods in this area. This study analyzes the embodied carbon emissions and direct construction costs incurred during the production phase of a modular residential building and provides comparison to an equivalent conventional residential building. Major drawings and design details for a modular residential building in South Korea were obtained, and the quantity take-off data for the major construction materials were analyzed for a modular construction method and a conventional construction method using a reinforced concrete structure under the same conditions. Focusing on major construction materials during the production phase, the embodied carbon emissions assessment revealed that adopting a modular construction approach reduced the environmental impact by approximately 36%, as compared to the conventional reinforced concrete method. However, in terms of the direct construction cost, the modular construction was approximately 8% more expensive than the conventional reinforced concrete construction method.

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“…A similar research analysed and compared the amount of waste generated from modular construction compared to the conventional caste-in-situ construction. The results revealed that 83.2% construction and demolition waste reduction was achieved in the case of modular construction [ 50 ].…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of critical risk factors in the implementation of modular construction

et al. 2022

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Modular construction is considered as a preferred construction method over conventional construction due to a number of benefits including reduction in project completion time, improved environmental performance, better quality, enhanced workers’ safety and flexibility. However, successful implementation of modular construction is hindered by various risk factors and uncertainties. Therefore, it is imperative to perform a comprehensive risk assessment of critical risk factors that pose a negative impact on the implementation of modular construction. Moreover, there is also a relatively less rate of modular construction adoption in developing countries, highlighting the need to focus more on underdeveloped regions. This study aims to propose a risk assessment framework for identification, evaluation and prioritization of critical risk factors affecting the implementation of modular construction in Pakistan. 20 risk factors were identified from previous literature which were then evaluated to shortlist the most significant risks using Fuzzy Delphi. The most significant risk factors were then prioritized using a novel Full-Consistency Method (FUCOM). The results specified ‘Inadequate skills and experience in modular construction’, ‘Inadequate capacity of modular manufacturers’ and ‘Inability to make changes in design during the construction stage’ as top three critical risks in the implementation of modular construction. This is the first study to propose a risk assessment framework for modular construction in Pakistan. The results of the study are useful to provide insights to construction industry practitioners in highlighting and eliminating risks involved in modular construction planning and execution.

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Quantifying Advantages of Modular Construction: Waste Generation

Cited by 33 publications

References 39 publications

Correlation between modular construction and sustainability in the building life cycle

Correlation between modular construction and sustainability in the building life cycle

Comparison of the Embodied Carbon Emissions and Direct Construction Costs for Modular and Conventional Residential Buildings in South Korea

Evaluation of critical risk factors in the implementation of modular construction

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