Advantages and barriers of modular construction method in constructing buildings

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the advantages of and barriers to the modular construction method that could facilitate leveraging of this method in practice by effectively overcoming barriers in the process. Three typical modular construction cases, Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan (China), the media residence hotel for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeong-Chang (South Korea) and Global Academy in Hayes (UK), were selected and analysed. The findings show that the modular construction method can shorten the construction time, facilitate collaborations between stakeholders, enable effective management, save labour and costs, reduce waste and minimise impacts on the local community. The eco-friendly design allows modular buildings to be recycled or relocated for some other purposes. The engagement of current engineering technologies upgrades the construction quality and enhances project management. It is expected that modular design and construction would be an appropriate option for constructing multifunctional buildings, particularly for short-term events or under some urgent circumstances. On the other hand, it is suggested that more effective logistic approaches should be used to transport modules to the site, and new technologies focusing on flexibly resizing or reshaping modules could be developed. Modular technology is expected to be employed in constructing more permanent buildings by improving quality and sustainability.