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MODULAR COORDINATION: AN APPLICATION IN CONSTUCTION INDUSTRY

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

MODULAR COORDINATION: AN APPLICATION IN

CONSTUCTION INDUSTRY
Saiyed Farhana1, Jayeshkumar Pitroda2, J.J.Bhavsar3, Dr S.K.Dave4

First Year Student, ME C E & M., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 1

Assistant professor, Civil Engineering Dept., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 2

Associate professor, Civil Engineering Dept., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 3

Assistant professor in Applied Mechanics Department And I/C Head Civil Engineering Dept. (SF), B&B
Institute of Technology, V. V. Nagar4

Abstract: This paper aims to give a brief introduction to concept of modular construction in
the learning process and correlate the construction industry with the manufacturing industry.
A modular building is a pre-engineered structure that is flexible enough to satisfy virtually
any requirement tougher than standard drywall construction, expandable, can be relocated
and completely re-usable. One obvious advantage that modular construction has over
conventional construction is cost. It can not only save up to 35% on the initial construction
costs like labor and materials, but there are other benefits as well. It has been found that
Modular coordination is an outstanding choice having a minimum on-site modification and
material wastage. Modular coordination differs from the traditional building methods,
reducing the overall time of completion. Modular coordination facilitates sustainable benefits
towards waste minimization and increases efficiency of productivity in the construction
industry. The speed with which a building is completed its key advantage of modular
coordination. With increasing industrialization to the building industry, steadily larger parts
of buildings are made up of prefabricated components, delivered to the building site from the
factories. Dimensional coordination of these component themselves and with the design are
of paramount importance. The full benefit of the industrialization is impossible without
standardization. No effective standardization is possible in the building industry, without
dimensional coordination and modular coordination is a way to it.

Keywords: Basic Module, Planning Grid, Modular Coordination

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Definition
Modular coordination is a concept of dimension and space, in which buildings
components are dimensioned and positioned in a term of basic unit or module. The full
benefit of industrialization can be achieved only by standardization. No effective
standardization again is possible in a building trade without dimensional coordination.
Dimensional coordination is possible if the coordinating dimensions of all parts, as well as
the dimensions of the building to be erected are in multiples of one basic dimensional unit-
The basic module. Such dimensional coordination is called modular coordination.

B. Overview
It is construction industry which plays a major role in country‟s economy. Giving better
quality output and a satisfactory service through quantitative analysis and a keen judgment of
the approximate estimates are the major challenges faced by the construction industry. There
is a growing demand for the construction industry to provide better value by improved quality
and performance. Modular construction uses pre-engineered volumetric units that are
installed on site as fitted-out and serviced „building blocks‟. The use of modular construction
is directly influenced by the client‟s requirements for speed of construction, quality, added
benefits of economy of scale, as well as single point procurement. These benefits may be
quantified in a holistic assessment of the costs and value of modular construction in relation
to more traditional alternatives. While handling projects weather big or small there are
wastage and cost associated problems. It has been found that Modular coordination is an
outstanding choice having minimum onsite modification and material wastage. Modular
coordination differs from the traditional building methods reducing the overall time of
completion.
Modular coordination facilitates sustainable benefits towards waste minimization and
increases efficiency of productivity in the construction industry. The speed with which a
building is completed its key advantage of modular coordination. The overall project
construction timeline is decreased by 30 to 50 % because site preparation and module
fabrication processes occur simultaneously. Modular construction has to adhere to the same
building code requirements as traditional construction methods and the same building
materials and standards are utilized to fabricate each module. All modules meet the building,

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

safety and occupancy code requirements and in many instances modular buildings exceed
local building specification. It would be more successful integration of the manufacturing
industry through a good collaboration with the construction industry.

C. The Attributes of Modular Construction that are Compatible with its Objectives

 Reduced construction costs, especially when combined with economy of

 Scale production (10%+)
 Much reduced construction time on site (50 to 60%)
 Increased profitability of the industry due to economy of manufacturing scale
 Increased site productivity (up to 50%)
 Greater certainty of completion on time and to budget
 Much reduced wastage in manufacture and on site
 Greater reliability and quality

D. History

In 1896 MC was first introduced Modular bricks and blocks were Modular coordination was first
in Malaysia but had not been introduced in 1983. studied at Singapore in the early
widely implemented in the seventies. The Housing and
construction industry. development board implemented the
concept in 1973 in the generation
flats.

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Actual sears & roebuck in Circa 1910 in Portsmouth

Factory built housing dates backs to 1900s. Between 1908-1940 more After world war II wartime factory
than 75000 Sears‟s homes were built. Prices of these built it yourself production was quickly changed
kit houses ranged from $600 to $6000. over to providing consumer products
to a post war time economy. Some
of these manufacturing industries
were converted into the housing
industry

The 1960s and early 1970s saw
an adaptation of the manufactured
process for homes to create a
“modular” product.
This was basically a site built or
stick built home completed in two
units or more, transported to the
building site on flat bed frames
and erected onto a permanent
foundation.
Designs of modular homes moved
from typical ranch style to more
complex and grew substantially in
1980s and 1990s

E. Aims of Modular Coordination

The principle aim of modular coordination is rationalization and industrialization within the
building industry by standardization of components so that there is an ease to manufacturing
the components in industries and erecting them on site with proper efficiency and achieving

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

economy. Modular system provides a practical and coherent solution for coordination of the
position and dimensions of elements components and space in the building design.
The aims of modular coordination are as follows:
1. To facilitate cooperation between building designer manufacturer, distributor and
contractor.
2. The use of standard size of building blocks in the design of the building.
3. To simplify the building design and preparation of building drawings.
4. To determine the size and position of each component in relation to each component
and the building as a whole.
5. To optimize the standard sizes of building components.
This process can contribute to increase design freedom and improved balance between
quality and cost in manufacture and construction.

F. Basics of Modular Coordination (M.C.)

The main purpose of Modular Coordination is to achieve the Dimensional Compatibility
between the Building Dimensions, Span or Spaces and the Size of Components and
Equipment by using related Modular Dimensions.
Modular Coordination generally provide the easy grasped layout of the positioning of the
building components in relation to each other and to the building and facilitate collaboration
between planners, manufactures, distributors and contractors.
Modular coordination is essentially based on:
 The use of modules (basic module, multi-module and sub module)
 A reference system to define coordinating spaces and zones for building elements and
for the components which form them.
 Rules for location of building elements within the reference system.
 Rules foe sizing building components in order to determine their work sizes.
 Rules for defining preferred sizes for building components and coordinating
dimensions for buildings.

G. Benefits of Modular Coordination (M.C.)

When applied throughout the MC brings out the following benefits:

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
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 Better coordination and cooperation between various parties in the construction.

 Reduction in design time, especially with the use of standard details and dimensional
coordination.
 Benefits through computer aided design and drafting.
 Reduction in manufacturing and installation cost.
 Reduction in wastage of materials, time and manpower in cutting and trimming on
site.
 Facilitating prefabrication.
 Improved balance between quality and cost.

H. Principles of Modular Coordination

Basic Module
• Modular Dimension
• Planning Module
• Placing Of Components
• Modular Grid
Basic Modular Grid
Square Grid
Rectangular Grid
Multi-Modular Planning Grid
• Preferred Dimensions
• Tolerance

Basic module: the basic module is a fundamental unit of size in modular coordination. The
coordinating sizes of building components, of the parts of the building they form and of the
building themselves shall be in multiples of the basic module.

1 basic module = 100 mm

Multi-module: multimodules are selected in multiples of the basic module. Different

multimodules will suit particular application. Using multimodules, it is possible to achieve a
substantial reduction in the number of coordinating sizes.

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Tolerance:

In traditional building, the craftsman takes care of dimensions in the ordinary course of his
work.

The modular dimensions provide convenient means of describing components in a catalogues

& for allocating the spaces for them on design drawings.

Three types of tolerance are generally considering in modular coordination in building.

1. Manufacturing tolerance, which limits the dimensional deviation in the

manufacture of components.
2. Positional tolerances, which limit the deviation of position for, erected components
from their designated position.
3. Joint tolerances or gaps, which limit the variations of joint thickness.

The three tolerances are interrelated and therefore must be determined accordingly.

5 mm RULE: This rule is applied to all structural parts of building & components. The wall,
slab & components, elements which is the structural part of the vertical and horizontal
division are placed one joint proportion on the boundaries of a modular plane, that is the
actual dimension as a rule for the structural elements are '5 mm' less on all modular boundary
plane. This rule is called as 5 mm rule for all horizontal & vertical dimensions.

If size of grid is n1 M x n2 M

Component size = (n1-10 mm) M x (n2 -10 mm) M

5 mm rule is given by IS code, it is due to tolerance because tolerance is required to fit the
component into available grid space.

basic module
M=100mm

submodule multimodule

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
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The Structural Grid

The recommended structural grid is 3Mor multiples of 1M. 3M is chosen as most material
like the precast floor slab is in multiple of this dimension. Used to locate structural
component such as a beam and column.
Modular Grids
Plans sections and elevation are expressed in two dimensions. These are horizontal and
vertical projections of the modular space grid. Different grids can be superimposed on the
same plan and elevation for different purpose. The advantage of using grids is that they
provide a continuous reference system in a project, provided that basic modular design is kept
uninterrupted in whole building.
Planning Grid
Based on any convenient modular multiple for regulating space requirements such as rooms.
Controlling Grid
Based on any convenient modular multiple for location of the internal walls, partition walls
etc.
Basic module grid
This is the smallest planning grid used as a basis for developing other grids. The basic
modular grid is shown only on a small scale drawing to show relationship between the
components. Each square is 1M X 1M. This Drawings are in Scale of 1:10 and 1:20. Figure 1
to figure 3 shows various basic modular grid.
 Used for detail location of components and fittings.
 All the above grids, being based on a basic module, are contained one within the other
and are therefore interrelated.
 These grids can be used in both the horizontal and vertical planes thus forming a three
dimensional grid system.
 If a first preference numerical value is given to m dimensional coordination is
established.

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Figure:1 Basic Modular Grid Figure:2 Square Multimodular Figure:3 Rectangular

Grid Multimodular

SOURCE: http://www.bca.gov.sg/

TARTAN GRID
Tartan grid is an interrupted modular planning grid in which the interval or bands of
interruption and are regular spaced in both directions are of different modular order to the
general modular planning grid. Figure 4 shows the tartan grid.
This pattern may be used in very regular plans like those with columns at constant intervals
throughout the floor. Figure 5 shows the grid for regular column pattern.

Figure:4 Tartan Grid Figure:5 Grid for Regular Column Pattern

Source: http://www.bca.gov.sg/

Coordination of the Non-Modular Sizes

The full use of the modular coordination may not be economical or possible. Sometimes in
the components like slab the thickness of the components may be non-modular. Such
thickness is determined by economic and functional consideration. In such cases the
determination of sizes shall be bases on multimodules and sub modules.

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Reference System
The reference system is a system of points, line and plane within which a building and its
components are located.
A reference system should be used during the design stage and also may form the basis of
drawing through which the measurements are taken on the site.
Modular Space Grid
Modular space grid is a three dimensional system within which a building and its components
lie. The distance between each plane in the system is equal to the basic module or to a
multimodal.
Dimensional Grids
The modular grid network defines the space into which dimensionally coordinated
components must fit. An important factor is that the component must always be undersized to
allow for the joint which is sized by the obtainable degree of tolerance and site assembly.

I. Planning Approaches in M.C

The planning in the modular coordination consist of the horizontal and vertical planning.
There are 2 basic approaches to planning in Modular Coordination. Shown in Figure 6 Types
of Planning Approaches and Figure 7 for Symbols Used in Modular Construction.

1. Face planning
2. Axial planning

Axial planning Boundary planning

Figure 6: Types of Planning Approaches

[Source: IS 13613:1992 Recommendations for modular coordination in building industry]

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Figure 7: Symbols Used in Modular Construction

J. Adoption and Usage

Modular building processes are now not new, from about 5 years the usage of modularization
in construction is raised to 63%. It is expected that about 85% of the industry players today
are using these processes on some projects-including 90% of engineers, 84% of contractors
and 76% of architects shown in figure 8.

MODULARIZATION USERS TODAY

NON USER USER
ARCHITECT 24
76
ENGINEER 10
90
CONTRAC… 16
84
0 20 40 60 80 100

Figure 8: Modularization
[Source: Smart Market Report]

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 11
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

II. CASE STUDY

Overview
B2 is the first of all new residential towers built to
cradle the Barclays Centre arena, it is part of a $49
billion, 22-acre Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn. The
3 new residential buildings will contain a total of
approximately 1500 units of residential housing. B2
will be the first of the residential buildings to break
ground, and at 32 stories and 363 units, will be one of
the tallest modular buildings in the world.
Figure 9: Atlantic Yards B2
Approximately 4,000sf of retail on the ground floor, and
Source: MIT, 2012
20,000sf of arena storage in the cellar and base of B2.

NAME LOCATION OWNER

Atlantic Yards B2 Brooklyn, NY Forest City Ratner
ARCHITECTURE FIRM CONSTRUCTION MANUFACTURER
COMPANY
Shop Skanska USA Building XSite Modular & Forest City
Ratener
CONSTRUCTION YEAR PROJECT VALUE ($) PROJECT SIZE
2012 (December) 2012 (December) 340,000
NUMBER OF FLOORS NUMBER OF UNIT TYPES UNIT SIZE
32 363 Avg. 940

Additional Information
• Approximately 150 studios, 165 one-bedrooms, and 48 two-bedrooms.
• Expected to achieve LEED Silver.
• As designed, only 17 of the 930 modules are exactly the same.
• Potential to be world‟s tallest modular building.
• Used 25-story dorm in England as its model.
• Prefabrication can reduce the construction schedule by 4-6 months.

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

• Forest City Ratner is in talks with the City regarding permits and unions. If labour
agreements cannot be reached, B2 will be constructed without modules.
• Forest City and XSite are setting up a prefabrication factory a few miles from the site
• High use and coordination of VDC-BIM during design phase.
• Each module will have a tubular-steel chassis, and a single point of electrical connection.
The following conclusions were made from the case study.

ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE

 Reduced schedule up to 4-6 months  Labour agreements

 Reduced labour to approx. 190  Permits
factory workers
 Reduced costs by up to 25%  Heavy use of BIM during design
 Ease of construction

 Innovation and trendsetting

III. CONCLUSION

The modular coordination has various advantages over the conventional construction. It has
ease of coordination, which offers ability to supply single source installation through factory
trained distributor network. Modular construction is consistently high in quality both in
design and construction. Modular coordination provides maximum flexibility to meet the
design.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Authors thankfully acknowledge Dr. C. L. Patel, Chairman, Charutar Vidya Mandal,
Er.V.M.Patel, Hon. Jt. Secretary, Charutar Vidya Mandal, Dr. F.S.Umrigar, Principal, BVM
Engineering College, Dr. L. B. Zala, Professor and Head, Civil Engineering Department,
BVM Engineering College, Prof. J. J. Bhavsar, Associate Professor and P.G. Coordinator
(Construction Engineering and Management), B.V.M. Engineering College, Mr. Yatinbhai
Desai, Jay Maharaj construction, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India for their motivations,
infrastructural support and cooperation to carry out this research.

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International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

REFERENCES
[01] “Daewoo‟s multi-room modular construction system.” Prof. Spiro N.pollalis. Dec 1997
[02] “Feasibility benefits and challenges of modular construction in high rise development in united nations: a
developer‟s perspective.”Sri Velamati, bachelors of Science, economics university of Pennsylvania, 2012.
[03] “Prefabrication and modularization”-Design and construction intelligence, Smart Market Report.
[04] “The benefits of modular construction.” Devin M.Riffett, Renal Business Today 2007
[05] IS code 10600-1983: recommendation for modular coordination –principles and rules
[06] IS code 13613:1992 recommendation for modular coordination in building industry: location of structure
walls and floor slab
[07] IS code 4993.1983 glossary of terms relating to modular coordination
[08] Modular Prefabricated residential construction, constraints and opportunities, PNCCRE Technical Report.
[09] Value and benefits assessments of modular construction – Steel construction institute.
[10] www.bcs.sg/publications/buildability_series_publication.html
[11] www.mit.edu.com
[12] www.modularmanagement.com
[13] www.worldcat.org/title/country-club-village-hawaii-a-case-study-on-daewoos-multiroom-modular-
construction-system/oclc/41533219.
AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY

Saiyed Farhana M. was born in 1992 in Petlad town, Gujarat. She

is pursuing her Maters of Engineering degree in Construction
Engineering and Management from Birla Vishvakarma
Mahavidhyalaya Engineering college, Vallabh Vidyanagar,
Gujarat. She has published 2 international papers and a paper in
national conference.

Prof. Jayeshkumar R. Pitroda received his Bachelor of Engineering

degree in Civil Engineering from the Birla Vishvakarma
Mahavidyalaya, Sardar Patel University in 2000. In 2009 he
received his Master's Degree in Construction Engineering and
Management from Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya, Sardar Patel
University. He joined Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya
Engineering College as a faculty in 2009, where he is Assistant
Professor of Civil Engineering Department with a total experience
of 14 years in the field of Research, Designing and education. He is
guiding M.E. (Construction Engineering & Management) Thesis
work in the field of Civil/Construction Engineering. He has
published many papers in National Conferences and International
Journals.

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 International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Prof. Jaydevbhai J. Bhavsar received his Bachelor of Engineering

degree in Civil Engineering from the Birla
VishvakarmaMahavidyalaya, Sardar Patel University in 1978. In
1986 he received his Master's Degree in Building Science and
Technology from University of Roorkee. He joined Birla
VishvakarmaMahavidyalaya Engineering College as a faculty
where he is an Assistant lecturer of Civil Engineering Department
with a total experience of 32years in the field of Research,
Designing and education. He is guiding M.E. (Construction
Engineering & Management) Thesis work in the field of Civil/
Construction Engineering. He has published many papers in
National Conferences and International Journals.

Dr. Sanjaykumar Kanubhai Dave received his Bachelor of

Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from BVM Engineering
College ( Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar) in 1989
and M.E (civil) in Water Resources Management in 1992 from
L.D. College of Engineering (Gujarat University, Ahmedabad)
with Distinction. He was awarded Ph.D degree in Civil
Engineering in January 2012 from L.D. College of Engineering
(Gujarat University, Ahmedabad). At present he is working as
Lecturer (S.G) in Applied Mechanics Department and I/c Head of
the Civil Engineering Department (SF) at B & B Institute of
Technology, Vallabh Vidyanagar. He has field experience of 5.5
years and teaching experience of about 19 years. He is having
teaching experience of almost all subjects of Applied Mechanics &
Civil Engineering. He has published / presented many papers in
National / International Journals and conferences. He is awarded
Best Teacher award for Gujarat state by Indian Society of
Technical Education, New Delhi at 43rd National annual
Convention. He is awarded Gaurav Purshkar award from Charutar
Vidya Mandal, V.V.Nagar in 2014. He has also got Best Research
Paper Award in 19th ISTE Annual Convention held at L.D.
College of Engineering, Ahmedabad.

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