Experimental Evaluation of Fixing Equipment for Improving the Efficiency of Modular Unit Systems

Kyoon-Tai Kim^*, Nam-Cheon Park

Construction Management & Economy Research Division, Korea Institute of Construction Technology, Ilsan, Korea.

DOI: 10.4236/jbcpr.2014.24022                

Abstract

Modular unit systems provide an eco-friendly advanced construction method that improves productivity and reduces carbon emissions and construction waste. In these systems, the prefabrication ratio of the modules should be high in order to support these eco-friendly features. The purpose of this study was to verify the functionality and driving safety of fixing a modular unit with a high prefabrication ratio to a vehicle for transportation to the site using two novel adapter blocks specially developed for this purpose. When asked to evaluate their performance for this study, the truck drivers selected adaptor block type B as providing the highest convenience and functionality. In real-world driving experiments, maximum loads of 15 kN and 25 kN were measured on adapter block types A and B, respectively. Future improvements in the adapter blocks that take the safety ratio and the improved convenience of use into account are confidently expected to contribute to the eco-friendliness and the improved productivity of modular unit systems.

Keywords

Component, Modular Housing, Modular Unit, Modular System, Fixing Equipment, Evaluation

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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