Prefabrication and Modular Coordination in Construction

Posted on Aug 30, 2024 in Technology

Item 1: Rationalization, Industrialization, and Prefabrication

1.1 Rationalization

The set of studies on technology, management, and production methods made for improvements in productivity and profitability.

1.1 Industrialization

It is the process of mass production, machining and production scheduling, studying the market and design. Everything is automated.

  • The item is performed at the factory and outside a specific project.
  • Using the element does not require complex manipulation or alteration of features.
  • The item is made from common materials.
  • The element must follow the rules of modular coordination dimensional (must be standard measures).
  • The item should be available in a catalog.
  • It should produce the greatest variety of pieces with the least possible expense into molds and labor.
  • The weights and dimensions of the components should allow transport and handling.
  • In the manufacture of the elements have to use other technologies.

1.1 Methods of Production

Industrialization or Closed System

The building is divided into parts, but they must all be from the same manufacturer because they are not interchangeable (heavy or light-dimensional modules, system of large panels…).

Industrialization or Open System

The building is divided into parts and these may be from different manufacturers are interchangeable (linear structural elements, floors, cladding panels, precast walls…).

1.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Prefabrication

Advantages

  1. Independence of atmospheric agents (working in factories).
  2. Use of low labor and easy expertise.
  3. Decrease the period of performance of buildings.
  4. Lower cost of production for its high industrialization.
  5. Increased quality.
  6. Allow more distance between expansion joints.
  7. Manufacture of parts simultaneously without having to wait.

Disadvantages

  1. Need for heavy investment.
  2. Projects more rigid and better coordination between designer and manufacturers.
  3. The need for lifting equipment and special transport.
  4. Special care boards and links.
  5. Less assembly tolerance.
  6. Using little labor for mechanization.

1.2 Dimensional and Modular Coordination

Used to coordinate and simplify the prefabricated building elements, using multiples and common dimensions. All items are based on the module (10cm).

1.2.1 Modular Coordination

The modular coordination is based on the standard measurement system, a series of numbers are all multiples of the module (10cm or 4″), ranging typically 5 by 5 cm.

In coordination is also important coupling parts, tolerances, and errors.

Using the module aims to:

  • Reduce material losses by adjustments, cuts, and changes.
  • Encourage the interchangeability between parts and combinations of them.
  • Reduce the variation of measures.

1.2.2 Dimensional Coordination

It is a system that simplifies the connection procedure between the different components. Sets and lists the dimensions for the different elements can join.

1.2.3 Types of Dimensions of Coordination

1. Size of Coordination

Dimension tolerances expressed without a design element that determines how it attaches to other building components.

2. Basic Dimension

Dimension theory for a specified item in the project.

3. Specific Dimensions

Real dimension of the element.

4. Maximum-Minimum Allowable Size

Maximum or minimum allowable value that can have an effective dimension.

1.2.4 Errors and Tolerances

Errors

  • Manufacture failure. The size difference between actual and theoretical dimension.
  • Installation Error. Difference between the actual situation of the element and its ideal position referenced in the project.

Consequences of Errors:

  • Components in Excess. It can be cut.
  • Components in Default. It can be cut, need a shot to absorb the differences.

Tolerances

They promote the interchangeability of parts. Is control of errors.

  • Manufacturing Tolerance. Limits the size deviations that occur during manufacture.
  • Mounting Tolerance. Maximum possible error in the placement of an element in play, with the position assigned to the project.
  • Tolerance Board. Limit variations in the thickness of the boards.