MODULAR

CO-ORDINATION
INTRODUCTION
 Diverse projects are being launched to
augment national prosperity.
 Staggering variety and versatility.
 Similar Management principles.
 Awareness in construction is widely
dispersed and capital intensive.
 Factory production of industrialized
components need high degree of
standardization.
HISTORY
 Possible to identify standardization from the
historical past
 Tool Making & Cultural era (upto 10,000
BC)
 Agricultural revolution (upto 1000 AD)
 Khufu Pyramids
 Great Wall of China
 Town planning of Mohenjo Daro & Harappa
 Rebuilding of London after the great fire
 Genesis of ISO (1947), CIB etc.
STANDARDIZATION
 Process of formulating and applying rules
for an orderly approach to a specific activity
for optimum economy and safety.
 Operate at various levels : International,
Regional & National.
 Mainly needed for rationalization.
 Knowledge of standards essential for day to
day activities.
 Considerable time & effort to make standard
consciousness a way of life.
MODULAR COORDINATION
 MODULE comes from Latin word “Modulus”
meaning small dimension
 Module is the basis of 3D rectilinear frame
which ensures that
 Standard materials and components can be used
together
 Which in turn fit into the general design layout
 Governs the dimensions of the building as a
whole.
DEFINITIONS

Dimensional Coordination
 Application of a range of related dimensions to
the sizing of building components and
assemblies incorporating them.
Modular Coordination
 Dimension coordination using the international
basic module(100mm), multi-modules, sub-
modules and a modular reference system.
DEFINITIONS

Module
 The unit of length of modular coordination, the
size of which is selected in order to achieve
dimensional coordination of building elements
with maximum flexibility & convenience, and
denoted by letter “ M ”.
Sub-modular Increment
 An increment of size, the value of which is a
selected fraction of the basic module.
DEFINITIONS

Modular building component

A building component whose coordinating sizes
are in accordance with the basic module or its
multiple.
Coordinating space
A space bounded by coordinating planes,
allocated to a building component, including
allowances for joints and tolerances.
DEFINITIONS

Basic Space
A space bounded by reference planes, assigned
to receive a building component or assembly
including allowances for joints and tolerances.
Reference system
A system of points, lines and planes to which the
sizes and positions of building components or
assemblies relate.
 Should be used at design stage and form the
basis of the system of lines from which
measurements at site are set out.
DEFINITIONS

Modular Space grid

 3-D system of planes within which a building and
its components are located.
 Distance between the planes is equal to the basic
module/multi-module.
 Multi module may differ for each of the 3
directions of the grid.
Modular Grid
 Designs have to be expressed in 2-D
 Horizontal & Vertical projections of the Modular
Space grid are used known as Modular grids.
DEFINITIONS
Multi-modular grid
 Interval between consecutive lines is a multi-
module.
 This multi-module may differ for each of the two
direction of the grid
 Determine the layout of building complexes,
buildings and/or position of main structural
features.
 Ensure consistent co-ordination of components
in relation to specific use of activity spaces which
they enclose.
 Used in the earlier design stages on a small scale
general location drawings.
RECOMMENDED VALUES
 Basic Module : 1M = 100mm
 Sub-modular increment : M/2 = 50mm
 If smaller sub-modular increment is needed,
the following should be adopted.
 M/4 = 25mm
 M/5 = 20mm
 Multi-modules of 300mm, 600mm, 1200mm,
3000mm & 6000mm are under consideration
for certain categories of buildings.
 Work sizes of components however would differ
to allow for joints & tolerances.
SUB-MODULAR INCREMENTS
 Sub-modular increment shall be used
 Where there is a need for increment smaller
than basic module.
 Determining displacement of different modular
grids to arrive at a solution appropriate to the
project.
 Determining coordinating sizes of building
components larger than 1M, which needs to be
sized in increments smaller than 1M( for
example bricks, tiles etc.)
 NOT to be used for determining the distance
between modular reference planes of a modular
grid.
OBJECTIVES OF MODULAR
COORDINATION (Ref:- IS:10600:1983)
1. Assist rationalization and industrialization
within building industry, thereby improving
the economics of construction.
2. Facilitate cooperation between building
designers, manufacturers, distributors &
contractors.
3. Permit use of building components of
standard sizes to construct different types of
buildings.
4. To optimize number of building components.
5. Simplify preparation of building drawings.
OBJECTIVES OF MODULAR
COORDINATION (Ref:- IS:10600:1983)
6. Determination of sizes and position of each
component in relation to the other
component and the building as a whole.
7. Permit interchangeability of components
whatever their materials, form or method of
manufacture.
8. Simplify site operation by rationalizing setting
out, positioning and assembly of building
components.
9. Ensure dimensional coordination between
installations and rest of the building.
BASIS OF
MODULAR COORDINATION
 Essentially based on the use of
 Modules – Basic, Sub-module & Multi-module.
 Reference system to define coordinating spaces
and zones for building elements.
 Rules for locating building elements within the
reference system.
 Rules for sizing building elements to determine
their work sizes.
 Rules for defining preferred sizes for building
components and controlling dimensions for
buildings.
CONTROLLING REFERENCE
SYSTEM
Controlling Planes
 Planes in the modular space grid which form a
fundamental system of reference for the
elements of construction.
Controlling Zones
 Zones for floors, walls etc. lying between
controlling planes.
Controlling Lines
 Represent controlling planes on plans,
elevations & sections.
Controlling Dimensions
 Dimensions between controlling planes.
CONTROLLING REFERENCE
SYSTEM
 Interruptions and displacements of
modular grids
 It may be necessary to interrupt a modular
grid (eg: to accommodate dividing elements).
 Width of the zone of interruption of the
modular grid may be modular or non-modular
(Neutral Zone).
TOLERANCES
Definition
 The permitted variation from a basic
dimension or quantity as in the
length or width of a member.
 The range of variation permitted in
maintaining a basic dimension as in
an alignment tolerance.
 A permitted variation from location
or alignment.
 The difference between the
permissible limits of size or between
the permissible limits of position.
TOLERANCES
Actual Dimensions
 The measured dimensions of the elements or
components after casting or fabrication. This
dimension may differ from the working dimensions
due to construction and material induced
variation.
Basic Dimension
 The dimension shown on the contract drawing or
called for the specifications. The basic dimension
shall apply to size, location and relative location.
This shall also be called the normal or ‘nominal’
dimension.
TOLERANCES
Feature Tolerance
 The location or dimensional tolerance of feature,
such as a corbel or a blockout with respect to the
overall member dimensions.
Part Tolerance
 Tolerance applicable to part dimension of the
component.
Tolerance ‘T’
 Tolerance for deformation, thermal movement etc.
and these are combined algebraically.
TOLERANCES
Tolerance ‘P’
 Tolerance allocated for size, shape-and position
and these are combined statistically.
Manufacturing Tolerance
 An allowance for the lack of accuracy ,permitted
for the production of a component.
Setting Out Tolerance
 The width of the space on the site within the limits
of which a setting-out point or line shall be
situated.
TOLERANCES
Work Size
 A size which is specified for the manufactured
component.
 The size given with its permissible deviations,
specified for manufacturing a component, the
actual size of which would be within these
deviations under reference condition.
Working Dimension
 The planned dimension of the member obtained
from both its basic dimension and joint or
clearance dimensions. It is to this planned
dimension that the product tolerance is applied.
TOLERANCES
Minimum Joint Width
 The minimum size specified to take account of the
maximum size of component.
Minimum Gap
 The minimum distance between the co-ordinating
face of a component and a modular plane, it is
equal to half the minimum joint thickness.
Maximum Joint Width
 The largest size specified to take account of the
minimum component size.
 CONCEPT OF DIMENSIONAL CO-ORDINATION
Dimensional
Co-ordination Element No

Yes

3 - Dimensional 2 - Dimensional 1 - Dimensional

Module Sub-Multiple

Multi-module

Selection of Range, Sizes in range, Systematic series

Location

Floor & Ceiling Walls Services

Size Tolerance

Joint Thickness Manufacturing Tolerance Location Tolerance

Prefabrication Construction Detailing

CHOICE OF DIMENSIONS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)

 All dimensions shall be a multiple of

M(100 mm),
 All dimensions in the system shall be
divisible by greater possible number of
smaller dimensions,
 All dimensions shall be obtained by
multiple or addition of the smaller
dimensions,
 Smaller dimensions shall be more densely
distributed than the larger.
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)
 Drawings prepared by 2 methods
 Boundary Planning - Indicating clear
dimensions of internal space
 Axial Planning - Introducing centre-line
dimensions for components.
 Modular grid shall be the primary reference.
 Boundary planning is the first point, line or plane
to position components in relation to such a grid.
 Axial planning adopted only to position certain
structural components like columns, beams etc.
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)
 Controlling Planning module = 3M
 The sizes of the building components,
room dimensions and layout are based on
preferred horizontal modules.
 5mm Rule
 The wall shall be placed one joint proportion on
the boundaries of a modular plane, that is the
actual dimension of a structural element shall
be 5mm less on all modular boundary planes.
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)

Modular Room
Dimensions
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)

5mm Rule
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)
 Building Dimensions
 Residential Buildings
 Horizontal preferred dimensions shall be
multiples of 3M.
 Industrial Buildings
 Large dimension intervals in series to be
used. 3M, 6M, 12M, 24M, 48M, 96M etc.
 Health Buildings
 Horizontal preferred dimensions shall be
multiples of 6M.
HORIZONTAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7921:1987)
 Building Dimensions
 Office Buildings
 Horizontal preferred dimensions shall be
multiples of 6M.
 Educational Buildings
 Horizontal preferred dimensions shall be
multiples of 12M.
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)
 In vertical section, the modular floor plane is
the reference plane from which modular
dimensions shall be taken.
 A horizontal modular plane continuous over the
whole of each storey of a building and
coinciding with upper surface of floor covering,
the upper surface of the base floor, or the
upper surface of the structural floor shall be
selected as reference point, line or plane.
 This shall be called as controlling point, line or
plane.
 The space between two such controlling planes,
which is provided for the floor, shall be called
as floor zone.
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)

Hg = Depth of floor
surface marked out
from reference plane.
Hd = Door set height,
which depends on
height of the floor.
Hv = Window set height,
which shall be modular.

REPRESENTATION
OF MODULAR
DIMENSIONS IN
VERTICAL PLANE
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)
Auxiliary Reference Plane
 At a particular storey
level, changes in the level
required to accommodate
the specific functional
need of structure may be
met by further reference
point, or line or plane.

A - Upstand on structural slab reaches up to the modular floor plane.

B - Wall shows positive boundary condition in order to reach down to the
auxiliary reference plane at the upper surface of the structural slab.
C - Adaptation piece fills the space between the modular floor plane and
the auxiliary reference plane.
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)
 Controlling Planning module = 2M
 Multi-modules applied to vertical
coordination shall be 2M & 3M.
 Preferred vertical controlling dimension
are to fix the storey heights.
 5mm Rule
 The floor slab, which is the structural part of
horizontal division shall be placed one joint
proportion under a modular plane. All other
vertical dimensions shall be taken from this
plane.
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)

5mm rule

Modular Heights
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)
 Building Dimensions
 Residential Buildings
 Vertical preferred dimensions shall be
multiples of 2M, ie. 20M, 22M, 24M, 26M,
28M & 30M.
 Industrial Buildings
 Vertical preferred dimensions shall be in
increments of 2M or 3M, preferably larger
sizes selected from 6M series.
VERTICAL COORDINATION
(Ref:- IS 7922:1987)
 Building Dimensions
 Health Buildings
 Vertical preferred dimensions shall be 28M,
30M, 32M, 34M, 36M.
 Office Buildings
 Vertical preferred dimensions shall be 28M,
30M, 32M, 34M, 36M.
 Educational Buildings
 Vertical preferred dimensions shall be 30M,
36M, 42M.
PREFERRED INCREMENTS FOR
COMPONENTS (Ref:- IS 6722:1972)
 Structural Columns
 Overall height (Clear height or Floor to floor
height) shall be in multiples of 1M for heights
upto 2.8m and multiples of 2M above 2.8m.
 Lateral dimension or diameter of column shall
be in multiples of M/4.
 Beams
 Nominal Length shall be in multiples of 3M.
 Nominal width shall be in multiples of M/4.
 Overall depth of the floor zone( that is of the
beam to the top of in sites decking) shall be in
multiples of M/4.
PREFERRED INCREMENTS FOR
COMPONENTS (Ref:- IS 6722:1972)
 Load Bearing Walls
 Overall height (Clear height or Floor to floor
height) shall be in multiples of 1M for heights
upto 2.8m and multiples of 2M above 2.8m.
 Thickness shall be in multiples of M/4.
 The height of openings for doors, windows etc.
shall be in multiples of 1M.
 The horizontal dimension of the openings for
doors, windows etc. shall be in multiples of 1M.
PREFERRED INCREMENTS FOR
COMPONENTS (Ref:- IS 6722:1972)
 Lintels
 Length shall be in multiples of 1M.
 Width and depth should be in increments not
less than M/4.
 Slabs
 Thickness shall be in multiples of M/4.
 Floor-Floor Heights
 Shall be in multiples of 1M for heights upto
2.8m and multiples of 2M above 2.8m and upto
3.8m. The least increment beyond 3.8m shall be
in 4M.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 Designers are well  For partially or totally
familiar with three types prefabricated buildings,
of drawings: these shall be classified
 Sketches, as follows:
 Main drawings, and  Component drawings,
 Detail drawings for
 Assembly details,
contract documents
 Type drawings,
 Special drawings to
clarify modular  Lay-out for
problems in the project components,
shall be prepared, viz.:  Register of components
 General modular
drawings
 Modular detail
drawings
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 SKETCHES
 During the preliminary design process, the
main arrangements and dimensions of the
building shall be determined in accordance
with the
 Building programme
 Building regulations
 Choice of materials
 Techniques of construction

 The preliminary drawings for residential

building shall be based on 3M planning module
and scale 1:50.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 SKETCHES
 If modular paper with a suitable square grid,
is not available, M grid may be drawn on
paper.
 Load bearing walls located with the centre line
of the wall placed along planning modular
line.
 Exterior walls are placed approximately in
relation to the modular grid.
 Exact placing of all the walls shall be first
determined when all the details have been
thoroughly worked out.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 GENERAL MODULAR DRAWINGS

 General modular drawings shall be

prepared once the location of modular lines
in relation to the various components has
been determined on detail drawings, along
with selection of all material specifications
and components.

 These drawings shall show:

 Modular components used in the project,
 their location in relation to each other,
 their location in relation to modular lines.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 GENERAL MODULAR DRAWINGS

 The dimensions on the general modular

drawings shall be mainly modular
dimensions in terms of M.

 These drawings shall mainly be used for

drawing office.

 They are not intended for use at site,

where unit of measurement is “mm” and
not “M”.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 DETAILED MODULAR DRAWINGS

 The placing of the modular line in relation to

the structure shall be determined on the basis
of technical analysis of a structure.
 In order to achieve accurate dimensioning,
large-scale modular detail drawings shall be
made to indicate the placement, of
components/elements in relation to each
other and to the modular lines.
 On a scale of 1 : 1 or 1 : 2 so that all details
regarding assembly and joint sizes are made
absolutely clear.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 DETAILED MODULAR DRAWINGS

 Modular sketch details shall form the basis for

assembly details which shall be a part of the
operational drawing containing all
specifications required for assembly at the
site.
 This shall be drawn to a scale 1 : 2 and
reduced to scale 1 : 5 or less, where so
desired.
 Subsequently, the modular dimensions and
grids shall be replaced by basic dimensions
and reference lines.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)

TYPICAL MODULAR DETAIL

DRAWING SHOWING
CONNECTION
BETWEEN EXTERIOR WALL AND
FLOOR ( VERTICAL SECTION )
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 OPERATIONAL DRAWINGS

 Operational drawings shall be prepared for

use in the factory, workshop and building site,
such as excavation, concreting and
brickworks.
 Provide detailed data on all dimensions and
quality requirement necessary for
manufacture of the components, on the basis
of structural analysis.
 All dimensions shall be specified in “mm” and
shall not include modular dimensions, even
though principle dimensions are derived from
modular dimensions.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 ASSEMBLY DETAILS

 Detail drawings employed for site work shall

also be made as operational drawing.

 Contain data on placement, jointing, possible

joint reinforcement, flashing and insulation,
etc.

 The placing of the components forming a

connection shall be shown in relation to the
site reference lines; not necessarily selected
modular reference lines of the project plan of
the building.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 ASSEMBLY DETAILS

 The placing measurements and detail

dimensions shall be specified in “mm” and
again no modules appear on these drawings.

 The assembly drawings showing location of

components shall be prepared on the basis of
the general modular drawings.

 The components shall be designated and

numbered, and their location with relation to
reference points lines or planes adopted on
project site shall be indicated.
DESIGN DRAWINGS
(Ref:- IS 6820:1987)
 ASSEMBLY DETAILS

 Assembly drawings shall also be provided with

a register of components which shows the
number of different components and shall
include information on their modular
dimensions and any special remarks.
 The numbering of components shall be made
with a four digit numbering system, indicating
 first two digits as length dimensions and
 last two digits as variants from 01 to 99 for
different components with the same unit
length.