MODULAR

COORDINATION

DEEKSHA MITTAL
PRATIKSHA
AGGARWAL
SHAILJA KUMARI
VIBHA KACHROO
(5 TH YEAR)
 WHAT IS MODULAR COORDINATION???

• Modular coordination is a concept of coordination of

dimension and space, in which buildings and components
are dimensioned and positioned in a term of a basic unit or
module, known as ‘1M’ which is equivalent to 100 mm .

• It is internationally accepted by the International

Organization for Standardization (ISO) and many other
countries.

• Thus, the modular coordination can facilitate the

achievement of greater productivity in the building industry
by virtue of its ability to discipline the dimensional and
spatial coordination of a building and its components.
 Modular Coordination is a useful design tool that provides
useful design principles and rules which combine freedom in
architectural planning and free choice of construction
method, with the possibility of incorporating standardized
modular components in the project.

BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL

SYSTEM
 AIMS OF MODULAR COORDINATION

1. The principle object is to assist rationalization and

industrialization within the building industry, by
standardization in such a way that components may be
manufactured on an industrial scale and erected efficiently
on site, thereby improving economics of building.
2. Facilitates cooperation between building designers,
manufacturers, distributors, contractors and authorities.
3. To permit the use of building components of standard sizes
to construct any building
4. In design work, to simplify the preparation of building
drawings
5. Optimizes the number of standard sizes of building
components.

I S O : 2 8 4 8 - 1 9 74
IS: 10600-1983
 AIMS OF MODULAR COORDINATION

5. Encourages as far as possible the interchangeability of

components, in whatever materials, forms or methods of
manufacture.
6. Simplifies site operations by rationalizing setting out,
positioning and assembly of building components.
7. Ensures dimensional coordination between installation
(equipment, storage units, other fitted furniture, etc.) as
well as with the rest of the building.

I S O : 2 8 4 8 - 1 9 74
IS: 10600-1983
 BENEFITS

 Better coordination and cooperation between various parties

in construction.
 Reduction in design time, especially with the use of
standard details and dimensional coordination.
 Reduction in manufacturing and installation cost.
 Reduction in wastage of materials, time and manpower in
cutting and trimming on site.
 Facilitating prefabrication

BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL

SYSTEM
 BASIS OF MODULAR COORDINATION

Modular coordination is essentially based on:

a. The use of modules ( basic modules and multi -modules)
b. A reference system to define coordinating spaces and
zones for building elements and for components which
form them.
c. Rules for locating building elements within the reference
system
d. Rules for sizing building components in order to determine
their work sizes
e. Rules for defining preferred sizes for building components
and coordinating dimensions for buildings.

BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL

SYSTEM
MODULES
 MODULES

Module
Standard unit size used to coordinate the dimensions of buildings
and components

 Basic module M = 100 mm

The basic module is the fundamental
unit of size in modular co -ordination).
The co-ordinating sizes of building
components, of the parts of buildings
they form and of buildings themselves
shall be multiples of the basic module.

 Multi-Module 2M, 3M ..
Multimodules are selected multiples of
the basic module; different
multimodules will suit particular
applications.
 MODULES

 Sub-Module M/2, M/4

For sizing of components
requiring increment smaller than
M

 Horizontal planning module

Mh= 3M (300mm)
The horizontal planning module
for structural framework is based
on the functional requirements of
the building and the components
to be used for economic design .

 Vertical Planning Module

Mv= 1M (100mm)

IS: 10316 -1986

DIMENSIONING

Modular zones indicated by a pair of parallel

lines terminating in small circles.

Non modular zones which interrupt the

modular grid are indicated by a pair of
parallel lines terminating in small-circles at
each end

Coordinating spaces for components may be

indicated by a pair of parallel lines joined by
an arrow head at both ends.
 TOLERANCES

• The permissible deviation from a specified

value of a structural dimension, often
expressed as a percent.
• Amount of variation permitted or “tolerated”
in the size of a machine part.
• Manufacturing variables make it impossible
to produce a part of exact dimensions;
hence the designer must be satisfied with
manufactured parts that are between a
maximum size and a minimum size.
• Tolerance is the difference between
maximum and minimum limits of a basic
dimension.
• For instance, in a shaft and hole fit, when
the hole is a minimum size and the shaft is
a maximum, the clearance will be the
smallest, and when the hole is the
maximum size and the shaft the minimum,
the clearance will be the largest.
REFERENCE SYSTEM
 REFERENCE SYSTEM

The reference system is a system of points, lines and planes to

which the sizes and positions of building components or
assemblies relate.
A reference system should be used during the design stage, and
may also form the basis of the system of lines from which
measurements on site are set out.

MODULAR SPACE-GRID
 A modular space-grid is
a three-dimensional
system of planes within
which a building and its
components are located.
The distance between
the planes in such a
system is equal to the
basic module, or to a
multimodule.

I S O : 2 8 4 8 - 1 9 74
 REFERENCE SYSTEM

BASIC MODULAR GRID

 The fundamental modular grid is
that in which the spacing of
consecutive parallel lines is equal
to the basic module.
 1M x 1M.
MULTI MODULAR GRIDS

I S O : 2 8 4 8 - 1 9 74
 REFERENCE SYSTEM
INTERRUPTIONS AND DISPLACEMENTS OF MODULAR GRID
 It may be necessary to interrupt a modular grid (for example, in
order to accommodate dividing elements). The width of the zone
of interruption of the modular grid may be modular or non-
modular (neutral zone) .

I S O : 2 8 4 8 - 1 9 74
 The Building Reference System
Reference system
A system of points, lines and planes to which sizes and positions of a building component
or assembly may be related.

Reference plane
A plane of a reference system.

Reference zone
A space bounded by reference planes in a building to receive a component, assembly or
element including , where appropriate, allowances for tolerances and joint clearances.
1. Modular line 2. Modular plane
A line of a modular reference system. A plane of a modular reference system .
3. Modular zone 4. Modular size
A zone between modular planes. The size of a modular dimension.
5. Planning grid 6. Modular grid
A reference grid for the plan of a building. A reference grid in which the distance
7. Space grid between consecutive parallel lines is the
A three-dimensional network of reference lines. basic module or a multiple thereof.
8. Modular space grid
A space grid in which the distance between
consecutive parallel lines is the basic module
or a multiple thereof.
Zones

Zone
A space between reference planes within or in relation to which a building component is
arranged. The space may be left unfilled.
Wall zone
The zone where the wall is accommodated and i t includes the wall finishes.
Floor zone
The space in section where the floor assembly is accommodated, it extends fro m the top of
the floor finish to the bottom of the ceiling of the floor below.
Roof zone
The zone stretching from the bottom of the ceiling of the top floor to the top of the roof of
the b uilding.
The Controlling Reference System

Controlling plane
A plane in a planning grid by reference to which the theoretical positions of structural
elements are determined.
Controlling zone
A zone between controlling planes, provided for a floor, roof, load bearing wall or
column.
Controlling dimension
A dimension between controlling planes, such as floor-to-floor height, distance between
axes of columns, thickness of controlling zone.
Modular floor plane
A horizontal modular plane spreading continuously over the whole of each storey of a
building and coinciding wit h the upper surface of floor finish.
Floor-to-floor height
The dimension between the upper controlling plane of one floor zone and the upper
controllin g plane of the floor zone immediately above.
Floor-to-ceiling height
The dimension between the upper controlling plane of one floor zone and the lower
controlling plane of the floor o r roof zone immediately above.
Height of floor zone
The dimension between the controlling plane of a ceiling and the upper controlling
plane of the floor immediately above.
 Floor-to-roof height
The height between the upper controlling plane of one floor and the upper
controlling plane of the roof immediately above.

Height of roof zone

The dimension between the controlling plane of a ceiling and the uper controlling plane of the
roof immediately above.
The Component Reference System

Coordinating line
Line bounding the zones where elements or components are fitted.

Coordinating plane
A plane by reference to which a building component or assembly is
coordinated with another.

Coordinating space
A space bounded by coordinating planes, allocated to a building
component or assembly, including allowance for joints and tolerances.

Coordinating dimension
(1) A dimension of a coordinating space.
(2) A dimension which is common to two or more building components to
permit their assembly.

Coordinating size
The size of a coordinating dimension.
The Building Component And Its Sizes
Component
A building product formed as a distinct unit.

Modular component
A component w hose coordinating sizes are modular.

Element
A part of a building or structure having its own functional identity, such as a footing, a floor, a
roof, a wall or a column.

Modular element
An element whose coordinating sizes a re modular.

Preferred dimension
A dimension chosen in preference to others for specific purposes.

Preferred size
A size chosen in preference to others for specific purposes.

Work size (manufacturing dimension)

A dimension used by the manufacturer of a building component or assembly to ensure that
the actual dimension lies between the maximum dimension a nd the minimum dimension.
GRID
 GRIDS

STRUCTURAL GRID
• used to locate structural components such as beams and
columns.
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
internal walls, partitions dc .
BASIC MODULE 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 .
 GRIDS

DIMENTIONAL GRID
• 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.
DIMENSIONING
PLANNING APPROACH
 FACE PLANNING

• It is used to position
components of
construction in relation to
the grid.
• It is represented by a pair
of parallel lines.
• The component is placed
with the faces on the lines.
• The distance between the
sets of parallel lines is
always modular.
 AXIAL PLANNING

• It normally determines the

position of major
components. Example:
columns, cross walls.
• The grid lines in this plan
will run along the centre
lines of the components.
• The distance between the
grid lines is always
modular.
 COMBINATION OF FACE AND AXIAL
PLANNING
• In the planning process, it is easier to begin with the modular
grid and determine the positions of the major elements using
the axial planning.
• The face planning will then be introduced for the positioning
and sizing of various components and also to design the
joints.
HORIZONTAL PLANNING
 VERTICAL PLANNING

Preferred dimensions:
• Vertical planning: 1M
(0.5M as second
preference)
• Windows: Multiples of 1M
• Doors: Multiples of 1M
Vertical controlling
dimensions
• Floor-to-floor height
• Floor-to-ceiling height
• Floor zone and roof zone
Intermediate controlling
dimensions
• Door head height
• Window head height
• Window sill height
IS: 1 2073 -1987
EXAMPLE

IS: 13613-1992
IS: 13613-1992
IS: 13613-1992
 POSITIONING OF •SLABS
•WALLS
FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS •STAIRCASE
 FLOOR SLABS

 Depth will be in sub -modular

increments of 0.5M (50mm) or
0.25M (25mm).
 Precast slabs are available in width
of 6M.
 Length can be varied according to
the requirements.
 These dimensions fits the structural
grid, thus there is no wastage.
 The FLOOR ZONE is the space
allocated for the floor assembly.
It extends from the reference plane COMPOSITION OF
of ceiling to that of finished floor FLOOR ZONE
above it.
 WALLS

 Length is determined by the chosen planning grid.

 Sub-modular increments of 0.5M and 0.25M are
recommended for thickness of walls.
 Allowances must be given for thickness of finishes to be used.
 BRICKS

IS: 13612-1993
 BRICKS

IS: 13612-1993
 BRICKS

IS: 13612-1993
 STAIRCASE

 On plan, the width of coordinating spaces accommodates the

two flights and possible space in between.
 Flight and landing, both the dimensions are modular.
 In section, the stairs will be located in between the floor
coordinating lines.
 The dimension of the total width, the length of flight and the width
of landing must be in multiples of 1M and 0.5M.
STANDARDIZATION OF
COMPONENTS
 STANDARDIZATION OF COMPONENTS

The preferred dimensions of precast elements according to

NBC shall be as follow s:

Flooring and Roofing Scheme - Precast slabs or other

precast structural flooring units:
• Length - Nominal length shall be in multiples of 1 M;
• Width - Nominal width shall be in multiples of 0.5 M; and
• Overall Thickness - Overall thickness shall be in multiples of
0.1M.
Beams
• Length - Nominal length shall be in multiples of 1 M;
• Width - Nominal width shall be in multiples of 0.1 M; and
• Overall Depth - Overall depth of the floor zone shall be in
multiples of 0.1M.
Columns
• Height - Height of columns for industrial and other building
1 M; &
• Lateral Dimensions - Overall lateral dimension or diameter
of columns shall be in multiples of 0.1 M.
Walls
• Thickness - The nominal thickness of walls shall be in
multiples of 0.1 M.
Staircase
• Width - Nominal width shall be in multiples of 1M.
Lintels
• Length - Nominal length shall be in multiples of 1 M;
• Width - Nominal width shall be in multiples of 0.1 M; and
• Depth - Nominal depth shall be in multiples of 0.1 M.
Sunshades/Chhajja Projections
• Length - Nominal length shall be in multiples of 1 M .
EXAMPLE
 CONCLUSION

MODULAR COORDINATION requires

considerable effort and discipline and the
process may not be pleasant, atleast initially.
However, in the long term, it is likely to pay
off when the tool is understood and used
effectively; more so if implemented
throughout the industry.

BUILDABLE DESIGN APPRAISAL

SYSTEM