Barriers in Modular Construction

Modular construction requires synchronization in construction teams to build high-rise buildings effectively and successfully.

FREMONT, CA: Rising population and rapid urbanization has led the world to adopt modular formation in daily lives. Space saving has become an essential element in houses, offices, factories, buildings, and shopping malls. It gave rise to the modular construction method, which effectively constructed high-rise buildings and structures on limited land area. The ever-growing need for development in infrastructure in cities increases the demand for an ultra-modern construction technique that is faster, simpler, and modular.

Modular construction enables companies to build their modules in the factories and assemble them on-site. This helps save time, cost, human resources, and pollution. It is agile, which allows builders to split the project into small parts and complete them individually. The process is advantageous regarding the economy, on-site safety, and time consumption.

Despite these advantages, many construction companies do not adopt modular construction because of the many hurdles they face during construction. Several barriers such as lack of integration between construction teams, lack of communication, the difference in opinion, and non-cooperation from other contractors block the adaptation of modular construction technology.

Modular buildings in high-rise projects involve multiple assembling of modules on a large scale. Customization on a mass scale is required to optimize productivity. It can enhance project timelines and productivity. Every building is different, and it should be surveyed and designed as per the requirements and availability of resources. The architecture of high-rise buildings is vital, as a well-designed structure can provide the feasibility of assembling modules much more easily.   Unlike conventional construction processes, modular construction requires prefabricated structures which are fixed on-site. For the manufacturing process, every site contractor has to inform their project partners to be at the same platform during the assembly of modules. Lack of communication and non-cooperative behavior creates barriers in the construction. A collaborative approach from all stakeholders will help in the timely completion of modular projects. Internal teams, too, must be well informed about every step involved in the construction, assembling of modules, pre-fabrication of parts, and transportation of the modules to the site. Several other factors such as design, customer requirements, land characteristics, climate change, and site conditions can create obstacles in modular construction techniques.

A proper strategic approach and collaboration between all teams can solve these issues gracefully. Modular construction has numerous benefits. Therefore, adopting it in the near future will give a new dimension to city infrastructure development.