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Brave New Buildings: The Modular Revolution in Construction
New Zealand engineers, led by the innovative research of Professor Rajesh Dhakal at the University of Canterbury, are looking to revolutionise the way we approach building and construction.
With the novel introduction of a modular building system that is both quick to assemble and recyclable. In a push to ensure that building practices are progressive and sustainable in these modern times.
Canterbury is all too familiar with the damaging effects of earthquakes and Professor Dhakal’s modular system is being touted as a potential best answer to those communities living in earthquake prone areas.
This modular system is called the R4MBS. Which stands for: the Rapid, Reduced-carbon, Resilient, and Recyclable Modular Building System. It consists of prefabricated components which are put together using low-damage steel connectors and these are positioned in such a way that on-site concreting is not required.
The goal of the R4MBS project it to vastly improve and modernise design and construction practice to make the construction of future buildings much more efficient, yet in a sustainable way. The design of the R4MBS means that future buildings would be structurally flexible, whilst also adaptable to meet the increased public and industry expectations going forth.
When asked to comment on this Professor Dhakal said, “Concrete buildings are often slow and expensive to construct, difficult to repair and upgrade, and impossible to recycle… To meet changing societal demands, the design and construction philosophy for new builds and the maintenance of existing buildings needs to evolve.”
The R4MBS will offer construction and design guidance which will allow for easy industrywide adoption and implementation in the construction of future buildings whilst also allowing for any necessary extension and seismic upgrading that may be required.
This system can save up to months of construction time which will bring a reduction in production waste which ultimately creates considerable cost savings and ecological benefits.
Explaining its resilience Professor Dhakal said, “R4MBS buildings will be more resilient in earthquakes than traditional buildings. The low-damage design removes the need for repairs on buildings hit by minor and moderate earthquakes while, the modular construction means in the event of a severe earthquake a full repair is possible by replacing the damaged components”
Precast floors were a structural hindrance in recent earthquakes, so the R4MBS avoids this vulnerability by adopting a smart new connection between the floor and the building frame.
The floor is prefabbed offsite and assembled onsite using the same low-damage steel connectors. Which greatly reduces the risk of damage to the building floor, which is one the main issues the industry is facing with current construction practice.
Speaking on the R4MBS’s longevity Professor Dhakal said, “The whole process will help lower the lifecycle carbon footprint of the building substantially. It not only reduces the waste associated with production materials but also eliminates demolition waste, while the ability to reuse the modular components in a new build works towards our carbon neutrality goal.”
A sure sign of exciting things to come for those in the building and construction industry. Especially with recent supply issues and rising costs, the R4MBS is a breath of much needed fresh air for all in the industry.