Modular Coordination in Construction Industry

What is Standard MS 1064?

MS 1064 is a guide line towards the usage of Modular Coordination (MC) in building
constructions which consists of Part 1 to Part 10 under the general title, "Guide to Modular
Construction in Buildings". It provides the general principles, room and storey heights,
coordinating sizes and preferred sizes for various building components, dimensions of
elements, components and spaces in the planning and design of building.

Modular Coordination (MC) is a concept for coordinating dimension and space for which
buildings and components are dimensionalised and positioned in basic units or modules.
MS1064 introduces a certain geometric discipline using practical approaches which relate to
set-up coordination and measurement of components and spaces in the building design. The
standard specifies that the module basic M = 100mm as the basic unit to be used in a square
of M. The introduction of MC in the industry is to improve productivity and quality in
building construction construction as well as to act as a tool towards rationalisation and
industrialisation of the building industry.

MC has been introduced in Malaysia since 1986, but has not been widely implemented in the
building industry. The main factors limiting the uses of MC in building industries is lack of
knowledge on MC concept and it requires precision dimensioning and proper planning.

The characteristis of MC are:

- The basic module is small in terms of odd size in order to provide design flexibility, yet
large enough to promote simplification in the components' variation in sizes.
- Industry friendly features that not only cater for manufacturing but also the transportation
and assembly requirements.
- Ergonomically designed to promote efficiency
- Internationally accepted to support international market

MC Concept

MC may be applied to the design, manufacture and assembly of buildings, its components
and installations. It also affects the work positioning and dimensioning during construction.
At the work level, MC allows for relative independence in decision making with the common
dimensional language. The concept of MC is based on:
- The used of modules (basic modules and multi-modules)
- A reference system to define coordinating spaces and zones for building elements and for
the components which form them
- Rules for locating building elements within the reference system
- Rules for sizing building components in order to determine their work size
- Rules for defining preferred sizes for building components and coordinating dimensions for
building

The principal objective of implementing MC is to improve productivity through the reduction

of wastages in the production, installation process, to improve quality in the construction
industry and to encourage an open system. With Open System approach, building
components could combine in a variety of individual building projects while ensuring the
architect freedom in their designs.
MC is an important factor in application of Industrialised Building System by way of
standardization of components ad dimensions such as reduce time of production and
installation of components, achieving repeatability and able to construct building at lower
cost.

THE SCHOCKBETON CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

The most popular wall, floor, and roof-systems in pre-fabricated concrete are used in
residential buildings. Pre-fabricated houses and apartment buildings are generally planned on
the basis of panel construction.

Certain panels are supporting; others are merely dividers. This system is widely used in
Europe. Facades comprise, as sandwich elements, an inner supporting panel, thermal
insulation varying in thickness from 50 mm to 150 mm and an outer, non-supporting panel in
architectural concrete.

This system allows for rapid construction, good sound insulation and fire resistance, plus a
smooth finish, ready to be painted or papered.

Walls made of pre-fabricated panels are usually in steel-reinforced concrete. Their height is
that of a building storey, and their length varies from 6 to 14 metres. Standard thickness is 80
mm for non-supporting , and 150 to 200 mm for supporting panels. Special applications may
require a thickness of up to 300 mm.

Advantages for the CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

- Wider spans
- Lower maintenance
- Resistance to corrosion and mildew
- Increased design possibilities
- Greater choice of finishes
- Faster construction
- Simpler building plans
- Better quality control
- Improved fire resistance
- Greater durability

Advantages for the ARCHITECT

- Closed system
- Diverse elements