Program 1: Integrated Building Systems
This project aims to develop a robust, innovative and repeatable framing solution at the maximum transportable size of 16m x 4.5m x 3m. The framing will be steel based, with possible infill structural panels for walls and floors. This will require the development of innovative inter/intra‐modular structural connections to enable minimal access fastening for medium‐rise construction.
The solution will facilitate scalable open spaces within buildings, and provide the ability to transfer lateral loads between modules. It will address the following constraints and requirements:
- Irregular site shapes;
- Very limited site access;
- Fast on-site assembly, in‐life adaptation, and post‐life disassembly;
- Joining of conventional and new sustainable materials to maximise their effectiveness
- Maximum safety;
- Proven reliability; and
- Affordability.
A 20‐storey building with the largest possible spans will be considered as a test case.
Program
Project leader
Prof. Saman Fernando, Swinburne University of Technology
Project status
Complete
Project period
08/2015 to 12/2016
- Publications
- Partners
CRCLCL Project Reports
RP1031: Final Report: Development and optimisation of low-carbon, affordable, medium-rise modular structural system using innovative connections - Final Report
This study aims to understand the extreme load performance of modular buildings, which has had limited research, by conducting a comprehensive study on performance requirement of modular buildings under service/extreme loads and accordingly develop an innovative structural connections for modular connection.
The outcomes of this comprehensive study are expected to provide quantum improvements on the current modular construction industry through fast on-site assembly, in-life adaptation to service/extreme loads, post-life disassembly, and affordability. This will assist in the future development and application of fully-modular superstructure construction systems for multi-story modular buildings.
Development and optimisation of low-carbon, affordable, medium-rise modular structural system using innovative connections (5058778 PDF)
Peer Reviewed Research Publications
RP1031: Journal Article: Dynamic loading on a prefabricated modular unit of a building during road transportation
Modular building construction is an emerging trend in the construction industry. During the course of road transportation of the modular unit of a building, vehicular vibrations on the truck-trailer may cause damage to components that are attached to the unit. The amount of dynamic loading depends on many parameters including the level of loading on the vehicle, location of the centre of mass, suspension setup of the truck-trailer, and amount of damping of the vibrating parts. The effects of these parameters on the vertical motion of the trailer-chassis are the focus of interest in this study. Read the paper HERE.
RP1031: Conference Paper: A review on diaphragm behaviour and connections for multi-story modular buildings
In this conference paper, the characteristic requirements for inter-module connections of modular buildings with regard to structural and functional needs are identified and presented. An overview into few key aspects regarding multi-story modular building construction is also discussed.
A review on diaphragm behaviour and connections for multi-story modular buildings - conference paper (447887 PDF)
RP1031: Conference Paper: Influence of diaphragm flexibility on the seismic performance of multi-story modular buildings
This paper presents the preliminary work conducted to classify the behaviour of diaphragms in modular buildings and to assess the effects of diaphragm flexibility on the overall seismic performance of a case study modular building.
Influence of diaphragm flexibility on the seismic performance of multi-story modular buildings - conference paper (1533074 PDF)
RP1031 FACTSHEET: Multi-storey Modular Housing Construction
Innovations in modular building systems are limited by the low availability of well-designed module connectors. We have developed a universal, bolt-less connector for modular buildings of all shapes and sizes of up to 40 storeys (including public housing, condominiums, hospitals, hotels, offices, shopping centres etc.). Unlike other modular connectors, which are limited structurally and functionally, our design safely transfers lateral loads whilst remaining independent from the modules. Our universal connectors are remotely operable and enhance construction automation (Construction 4.0) and the uptake of low carbon modular buildings.
rp1031 modular construction factsheet final (579123 PDF)
Fact sheet
RP1031 FACTSHEET: Multi-storey Modular Housing Construction
Innovations in modular building systems are limited by the low availability of well-designed module connectors. We have developed a universal, bolt-less connector for modular buildings of all shapes and sizes of up to 40 storeys (including public housing, condominiums, hospitals, hotels, offices, shopping centres etc.). Unlike other modular connectors, which are limited structurally and functionally, our design safely transfers lateral loads whilst remaining independent from the modules. Our universal connectors are remotely operable and enhance construction automation (Construction 4.0) and the uptake of low carbon modular buildings.
rp1031 modular construction factsheet final (579123 PDF)
Partners on this project
- Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
- Swinburne University of Technology
- HASSELL
- MULTIPLEX
- AECOM
- BLUESCOPE