Search Results (8)

Offsite construction (OSC) has been increasingly promoted as a solution for a more sustainable construction industry. This method enhances the performance and efficiency of the construction industry by improving time and cost planning, health and safety, enhanced construction quality, and fostering a more environmentally sustainable built environment. China’s Fourteenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) mandates that at least 30% of new homes be constructed using OSC techniques by 2025, with the target of achieving 100% by 2035. With such a scalable challenge, this systematic research aims to identify and classify OSC adoption barriers, whether modular, volumetric, or panelised construction, by synthesising existing research studies. Through the analysis of 48 research articles published from 2013 to 2023, the review identifies key barriers hindering OSC adoption in China. The five most frequent barriers are as follows: lack of skills and expertise in OSC within organisations, absence of design codes and national standards for prefabrication, poor cooperation and integration among stakeholders in the supply chain, immature regulatory systems, and complexity in OSC project management. Trends in barrier prevalence by publication year are also discussed to highlight changes in research focus and to inform recommendations for future work that could support greater uptake of OSC in China. Full article

In the pursuit of low-impact and renewable construction materials, various by-products from agriculture, forestry, and the wood processing industry are being explored as potential bio-based infill materials for wall assemblies. This study presents an experimental assessment of the fire performance of timber wall systems composed of block units filled with different lignocellulosic materials, subjected to radiative heat exposure. These assemblies are representative of external walls in contemporary timber-framed buildings. Two configurations were examined: one with sawdust infill and the other with wood pellet infill. Both samples were exposed to radiant heat from the interior side for 60 min, simulating conditions of a fully developed compartment fire. The applied heat flux was 20 kW·m⁻², delivered by a calibrated radiant panel. The results indicate that even minor design variations—particularly the choice of infill material—can significantly influence the thermal response, degradation kinetics of wood-based components, and the overall fire resistance of the wall assembly. The sawdust-filled system exhibited superior performance, achieving an estimated fire resistance rating of 60 min (60 REI). It showed reduced internal thermal degradation compared to the pellet-filled variant, which experienced greater charring depth due to internal voids between pellets, although it maintained structural integrity. Full article

The search for the structural form of reticulated roofs is significant in interdisciplinary Architectural Design optimisation. Combining parametric design with structural logic influences the visual perception of the shape by choosing the most suitable technical solutions. Therefore, the divisions of reticulated structures should be determined to pursue structural, material and fabrication advancement. Structural divisions of free-formed canopies should simultaneously be solved in architectural and structural design at an early stage. Choosing a proper design becomes a complicated process, requiring the ability to select a type of production and rationalise technical solutions mainly due to the computer-aided design supported by algorithmic tools. Based on searching for optimal geometrical divisions, the case study investigates the differences between planar quadrilateral and triangular mesh panelisation. The study concludes the assets and flaws of both geometry shaping methods of reticulated structures based on minimal weight and fabrication aspects. The study concludes that implementing the manufacturing method of the chosen type of gridshells divisions into the architectural design optimisation enhances the resulting free-form structures at the early design stage. Full article

Modern Methods of Construction with Offsite Manufacturing is an advancement from prefabricated technologies that existed for decades in the construction industry, and is a platform to integrate various disciplines into providing a more holistic solution. Due to the rapid speed of construction, reduced requirement of labour and minimised work on site, offsite manufacturing and prefabricated building systems are becoming more popular, and perhaps a necessity for the future of the global construction industry. The approach to the design and construction of prefab building systems demands a thorough understanding of their unique characteristics. Full article

The manufacturing processes involved in the prefabrication of timber-based panelised walls is presented and explored in this study, through current industry practice and the latest automated technological solutions. A weighted Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) was constructed as a preliminary mechanism for assessment of current practices in conducting manufacturing processes compared to leading automated solutions. The developed method can be used to evaluate any timber-based wall panel manufacturing assembly line and to suggest recommended automation-based improvements on a process level in order to achieve prefabricated manufacturing objectives specific to local conditions and requirements. This has been demonstrated and verified through a case study with an industry partner. The resultant recommendations obtained close the knowledge gaps in the market and academia in uncovering recommended areas for investment and development to advance assembly lines at certain key processes in the production of timber-based walls for panelised construction. Full article

Prefabricated forms of construction have led to the rapid onsite assembly of buildings however there are still on-site tasks and processes which can be reevaluated and redone specifically in keeping with the principles of prefabrication instead being adapted to fit its purpose. One such process is that of waterproofing between prefabricated panels and modules which come from the factory fully complete façade and all. Conventional means of waterproofing can be used however it results in more work done on site, potential delays and generally requires access from the external face of the building. This paper presents the Modelling, Implementation and Evaluation of purpose developed weatherproof seals specific for Prefabricated Construction. An overview is provided of the entire development process and specific focus is given to the modeling using finite element analysis (FEA) computer simulations, manufacturing and testing which then resulted in the implementation in a prefabricated panelised building which is used as a case study and the means of further evaluation. These strategies have enabled an efficient and robust prefabricated waterproofing solution specific for this form of construction to be understood and implemented. The resulting case study has successfully verified the time and cost savings when compared to conventional techniques whilst still providing a durable and effective weatherproof seal for prefabricated panelised and modular systems. Full article

Satisfactory weatherproofing of buildings is vital to maximise their design life and performance which requires the careful design of external sealing technologies. Systems commonly available have served well in conventional construction however with many prefabricated systems emerging in the building industry new and novel means of weatherproofing between panels and modules need to be developed purpose specific to this application. This paper presents a holistic and fundamental methodological approach to Design and Development of waterproof seals and has been applied specific for prefabricated panelised and modular systems. Two purpose specific weatherproof seals are finally presented. Flow charts of the overview of the suggested methodological approach and the processes within which include DfMA that have been incorporated into understanding and developing seals for this practical application. These strategies have enabled a resourceful and holistic set of processes that can be adapted and used for similar forms of product research in new and developing areas of construction such as prefabrication. The design and development process is thoroughly investigated and has resulted in an exploration of the technical challenges and potential solutions which take into consideration factors from installation limitations to building tolerances. Full article

This paper describes some methods for producing developable surfaces with practical applications for creating useful lightweight, rigid, jig-less and elegant structural forms from sheet materials. Multiple related techniques based on the same fundamental principle can be used to generate a variety of interesting singly curved and doubly curved shapes. The system requires a minimum of specialist software, and is described in simple steps that can be followed by the reader with access to basic 3D CAD tools. Full article