2024-25_NTCA_Reference_Manual_dig_dwnld

Modular Construction

half the time. It involves the use of repeated sections called modules, which are constructed away from the building site and then delivered to the intended site for installation. One of the unique aspects of modular construction is the ability to simultaneously construct a building's floors, walls, ceilings, rafters, and roofs, which allows for tighter construction and greater flexibility and reuse. The factory controlled process generates less waste, creates fewer site disturbances, and allows for a shorter duration of total assembly. Modular construction also offers advantages such as a reduced construction schedule, improved air quality, and enhanced construction quality management. 2. Industrialized construction is the process through which the construction industry aims to improve productivity by increasing mechanization and automation. This process commonly involves modularization, prefabrication, preassembly, and mass production. It uses industrialized production methods such as high-volume off-site construction and on-site construction. The main goal of industrialized construction is to increase productivity, reduce costs, and project time through mechanization and automation. 3. Prefabricated construction, or "prefab," is a method of construction where a building is manufactured and constructed using prefabrication. It consists of factory made components or units that are transported and assembled on-site to form the complete building. This approach is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to reduce construction time, costs, and environmental impact. Prefabricated construction can include modular construction, which involves building entire sections of a project before shipping those pieces to a site, and panelization, which involves the construction of walls, floors, and roofs in a factory before transporting them to the build site. Prefabricated construction offers a controlled, safe environment, streamlining the construction process and reducing waste. 4. Preassembly, or pre-assembly, refers to the assembly of components or elements of a building in advance before they are installed on-site. In construction terms, pre assembly involves assembling elements of a building in a controlled environment, such as a factory, before transporting them to the construction site for installation. This approach is often used in prefabricated construction,

where building components are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site to form the complete building. 5. The assembly of walls in the context of prefabricated construction involves the manufacturing and assembly of wall components off-site, followed by their transportation to the construction site for installation. This approach offers several advantages, including enhanced quality control, consistent quality, reduced material costs and waste, and improved safety and simplicity. The use of advanced technologies, such as industrial robots, custom software, and design-and-build systems has further optimized the preassembly of wall components, leading to higher quality, faster construction, and cost savings. Overall, wall assembly in prefabricated construction is a key element in meeting the growing demand for unique, high-quality, and efficiently constructed buildings.

Photo courtesy of Welch Tile & Marble.

CONCLUSION: Many factors must be considered before working on a modular or industrialized construction project, such as substrate type, stresses to the structure involved in transportation and installation, as well as additional costs if repairs are necessary. It is also imperative to consult the adequate tile and installation material manufacturers to limit potential exposure, and careful consideration should be practiced regarding warranties, such as proper language and appropriate duration.

NTCA Reference Manual | 2024 / 2025

Chapter 1 | Pre- and Post-Installation Considerations

21