Development of standards for modular construction: learning from the freight container

Date

2025-1-10

Author

Günay, Göksu

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It is widely acknowledged that the construction industry has a productivity problem. Although the construction industry has a huge economic impact as one of the most important industry sectors in many countries, it is amongst the lowest R&D intensity sectors. There is an extensive gap regarding new technologies in the context of construction projects, and the value of digital processes, automation and industrialized construction are still essentially unexplored. Modular construction is proposed as a solution to this problem. However, there is usually a case-based approach in current research without any attempt at standardization. No definitive work could be found for the architects to build their projects on. In addition, there are certain drawbacks that slow down the adoption and implementation of modular construction. This research investigates the potential of standardization for modular buildings with an attempt to formulate the framework of a standardized design language. To that end, the standard ISO freight container was examined as an exemplary material, and a number of interviews were conducted with industry professionals to understand their perception of standardization in modular buildings. A qualitative analysis was made on the transcripts of these interviews, and the results were reported including categories, common themes, advantages-disadvantages, major barriers, drivers and potential consequences.

Subject Keywords

Productivity in construction, Modern methods of construction, Modular construction, Standardization, Freight container

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/113530

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis