Module construction of multistory buildings in Norway: A comparative study on limitations, structural performance, cost and serviceability
Abstract
Modular construction focuses on making prefabricated modules and elements withpreinstalled services in order to reduce the construction time, whilst also maintaining thestructural performance and safety of the building. Though this have not been used muchin Norway, it can be observed from other countries that this method has many advantagesand disadvantages. To name a few, the construction time is faster, the cost can be reduced,inventory spacing can be managed more easily, labour cost can be reduced, labour safetycan be improved, while still satisfying the structural requirements for the job. Furthermore,modular construction may be a more affordable solution to the housing crises inunderdeveloped countries and a solution for cheaper student housing. This paper focuseson comparing the structural performance, cost, advantages, disadvantages, limitations andserviceability between traditional cast-in-place concrete elements, precast elements andprefabricate modules. Modular construction focuses on making prefabricated modules and elements withpreinstalled services in order to reduce the construction time, whilst also maintaining thestructural performance and safety of the building. Though this have not been used muchin Norway, it can be observed from other countries that this method has many advantagesand disadvantages. To name a few, the construction time is faster, the cost can be reduced,inventory spacing can be managed more easily, labour cost can be reduced, labour safetycan be improved, while still satisfying the structural requirements for the job. Furthermore,modular construction may be a more affordable solution to the housing crises inunderdeveloped countries and a solution for cheaper student housing. This paper focuseson comparing the structural performance, cost, advantages, disadvantages, limitations andserviceability between traditional cast-in-place concrete elements, precast elements andprefabricate modules.