MODERN METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION

What are modern methods of construction ?

Modern methods of construction is a collective term used to describe a number of construction methods. The methods being introduced into construction technology differ significantly from so-called conventional construction methods such as brick and block.

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
1. Off-site manufactured Volumetric 2. Off-site manufactured Panellised 3. Off-site manufactured Hybrid 4. Off-site manufactured Sub-assemblies and components 5. Non off-site manufactured modern methods of construction

Others terms to describe modern methods of construction

Factory built/assembled Industrialised construction Innovative systems constructed on-site Off-site assembly Off-site construction Off-site manufacture Modular construction Pre-fabricated construction System building

Volumetric construction
Three-dimensional units produced in a factory, fully fitted out before being transported to site and stacked onto prepared foundations to form the dwellings Volumetric construction is also referred to as modular construction. These units can be made from most materials including light gauge steel frame, timber frame, concrete and composites. The units are sometimes used alongside panels (ready made walls, floors and roofs) in hybrid construction Pods are another type of volumetric unit usually used for bathrooms or similar highly serviced areas. Volumetric construction is most efficient when used for large numbers of identical units, as may be found in flats.

Volumetric construction: bathroom and kitchen pods

Factory finished bathrooms and kitchens within an independent structure Pods were introduced into the construction market for hotels and student accommodation, although their use in apartments and housing is increasing. Pods are usually non-structural and are normally used within a loadbearing structure. The enclosure can be of steel frame, timber frame, concrete or composite constructions.

Panellised construction systems

Flat panel units built in a factory and transported to site for assembly into a three-dimensional structure or to fit within an existing structure Systems can include wall, floor and roof panels to create the complete structural shell. Factory-made structural floor and roof panels are known as cassettes

There are many different types of panel, the main types are: Open panels: panels delivered to site where insulation, windows, services and linings are fitted. All structural components are visible. Panels can be structural (transmitting load to the foundations) or non-structural (used as non-loadbearing separating walls and partitions). Closed panels: panels based on a structural framing system (such as the type used for open panel systems), which can have factory fitted windows, doors, services, internal wall finishes and external cladding. The internal structural components can only be seen around the perimeter of the panel. Concrete panels: structural wall panels, which can include cladding (often bricks or brick slips), insulation materials, windows and doors.

Composite panels: panels made from a combination of different materials that act together to provide structural support. Structural insulated panels are a specific form of composite panel. Structural insulated panels (SIPS): sandwich construction comprising two layers of sheet material bonded to a foam insulation core. They do not rely on internal studs for their structural performance. Used primarily as wall and roof panels. Infill panels: non-loadbearing panels inserted within a structural frame. Any type of panel can be used although framed panels are more common. Masonry can also be used. Curtain walling: vertical building enclosure system that supports no loads other than its own weight and the environmental loads that act upon it.

Hybrid construction
Volumetric units integrated with panellised systems Hybrid construction is also referred to as semivolumetric construction. Highly serviced areas such as kitchens or bathrooms can be constructed as volumetric units, with the rest of the dwelling constructed with panels.

Sub-assemblies and components

Pre-fabricated foundations: a series of prefabricated ground beams and other components assembled to form foundations quickly and accurately. Floor cassettes: pre-fabricated panels specifically designed for floor construction. Fewer labour hours on-site are needed per square metre of floor, and reduced work at height has potential health and safety benefits. Roof cassettes: pre-fabricated panels designed specifically for pitched roofs. The panels are very stiff and are designed to leave the loft free of struts and props, allowing easy production of room in the roof construction. Using roof cassettes allows the building to become watertight more quickly than with conventional trussed rafter or cut roof constructions.

Pre-fabricated plumbing: pipework and fittings pre-assembled for use in volumetric units to facilitate the rapid throughput of units in the factory. Timber I beams: lightweight joists, studs or rafters manufactured with solid or composite timber flanges with timber sheet material web to form an I beam. The beams are very stiff for their weight and manufactured in a range of lengths and depths. The beams can be used to create structures with large unsupported spans giving flexibility in layout. Metal web joists: lightweight joists comprising two timber flanges separated by light gauge steel lattice webs. As with timber I beams, large spans are possible.

Site-based modern methods of construction

Innovative methods of construction used on-site and the use of conventional components in an innovative way A variety of systems are available which include: Tunnelform in situ concrete: concrete bays cast Tunnelform construction between Lshaped steel shutters L shaped steel Freshly poured he ends of the bays are infilled with other materials shutters concrete (eg masonry, light gauge steel or timber frame panels) to create a habitable space. Insulating formwork: insulation in the form of hollow blocks or sheets used as permanent shuttering for Cured concrete to create the external walls of a dwelling. concrete Very airtight and thermally efficient dwellings are created using this system. Aircrete: aerated concrete products (thin joint blockwork or aircrete planks) used to form the major elements (ie walls, roof and floors) of a structure.

MODERN MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION

Innovation in the use of exterior finishing, materials and cladding.

Modern Construction Materials Standards Promote

Advances in Construction Technologies The appearance, component materials, energy efficiency and environmental impact of habitable structures has changed dramatically over recent years due in large part to the successful standardization of new materials, processes and technologies.

A Buildings Skin
EIFS - EIFS are lightweight, multi-layer barrier systems that help keep moisture from outer walls. With several components, from panels of foam insulation fastened to a substrate and a base coat, to a reinforcing mesh and finishing coat, EIFS are complex systems with materials that have to successfully connect for years in order to keep moisture at bay. Stone Masonry Veneer-The cost savings and design freedom offered by stone masonry veneer products have led to their increased use in architectural projects. Compared to natural stone, manufactured stone veneers can be reinforced with steel, can be precisely colored, and have a predictable, durable life. The manufactured products consistency of appearance makes repetitive use of the material as a trim or ornament economically feasible. In addition, older structures can be rehabilitated with manufactured stone veneer that replicates the appearance of deteriorating stone. Structural Glazing- Structural glazing is a technology in which glass is attached to a building using sealant adhesives

Wood-Plastic Composites
Wood-plastic composites made from recycled wood and plastic waste have been used as economical and environmentally friendly alternatives for decks; components such as railings, cladding, siding, molding and trim, window and door frames; and small structures such as park benches.

Advancements in Concrete
Concrete, which has been used for millennia in some form for structures and roadways, is developing in ways that make its use easier, less expensive, safer, more varied and even more environmentally friendly.For example, self-consolidating concrete, a type that flows into forms with no mechanical compaction required.

ETFE
Ethylene Tetrafluroethylene

MODERN CONSTRUCTION - PROJECTS

"MIC PLUS" - MILANO CONVENTION CENTER, by Bellini Architects

The project, a direct commission, includes the restoration an renewal of the existing complex, followed by its extension and integration with the new part.

The greatest convention centre in Europe will be ready in 2011, with seating capacity for over 18,000 people in 73 rooms, two auditoriums (2.000 seats and 1.500 seats), a plenary room (4.500 seats) and big pavilions for exhibitions.

MIC plus is being built according to self-sustainable energy criteria, thanks to a complex system of photovoltaic panels, shaped like a comet, that will not only produce sufficient energy for the centre itself, but will also have plenty to spare for the surrounding area. The prestige and charisma of the exterior will be matched by the functionality and uniqueness of the interior.

The Comet is the fruit of lengthy research by Mario Bellini Architect(s) starting with the figurative idea and realized with the innovative assembly of materials which can easily be obtained on the market. It is designed to comprise a total of 8000 metres of luminescent rays (up to 200 m long) which will ripple out from a denser nucleus to form a tail. - Each ray is composed of 4 ribbons side by side, pre-formed sections of ultrathin microperforated aluminium, anodised silver (making the entire structure even lighter and semitransparent). - Each ray is supported by lightweight three-dimensional reticular steel structures along the centre of which run 8 thousand metres of channelled lighting (in microprism finish extruded transparent polycarbonate tubes) produced by low energy LED lights (only 1 Watt per metre). - Along each section, it is possible to insert a photovoltaic panel (composed of thin layers of amorphous silicon), light sensitive even in the absence of sunshine, as is often the case in Milan. Each metre can generate 25 Watts. In theory, if the entire Comet was covered with photovoltaic panels in this way, 800 thousand Watts could be generated. But in order to light up the Comet, at zero cost, it will be sufficient to install 400 metres of photovoltaic panels. All of these materials can be recycled.

THANK YOU
APOORVA AGARWAL VII SEMESTER B.ARCH,N.I.T. RAIPUR