Three Dimensional Volumetric

13 Executive Summary Three dimensional volumetric technique of construction has shown great potential as an option to the traditional site-built approaches. It has proven to have the ability of offering the much required affordability of houses in densely populated areas and the land deprived urban centers common in many countries. Significant levels of research need to be carried out to ensure this ever-changing method fully integrates with the existing frameworks of mainstream building practice. The experts need to provide the construction industry with the required materials and systems that can help to explore various factors such as cost and time effectively. Over the last decade, the utilization of three dimensional method of construction has become increasingly popular. However, it is essential to note that this method is neither cost effective nor exhaustively appropriate to every type of project.

The technique is mostly relevant where large scale construction projects are involved, for example, the development of multi-family residential areas, learning institutions, healthcare facilities, and correctional centers. Buildings that have numerous repetitive units can be easily modularized giving high percentages of positive outcomes. This paper explores various aspects of three dimensional method of construction such as its advantages, disadvantages, possible applications, building steps used, a case study, comparison with other techniques, contractors using the approach, and recommendations. Introduction Currently, many countries prefer the development of numerous houses using affordable techniques. It is notable that the systems applied in an indoor location are more efficient and effective compared to a jobsite that is outside. Second, the developers are able to save more resources such as time and costs.

This implies that productivity also increases in to the same extent. According to Harris (1989), between ten and twenty percent of costs are being saved and thirty to forty percent of time is being saved when the method is applied. The project owner appreciates the construction costs that have been saved through optimization of production and the reduction in the time frame used to put up the structure results in early occupancy. Therefore, experts are required to operate within specific dimensions and communication systems so that to enhance the cost effectiveness of the design. Third, the method uses outdated technology. For example, the drafting frameworks utilized by designers are archaic. Thus, the benefits of the method have not fully trickled down to the experts and the project owners.

Fourth, it requires expansive knowledge of various disciplines and collaboration of different experts so that to make up a single model based design team (Harris, 1989). Numerous technologies are already in existence, they only need appropriate integration and interoperability establishments so that the approach will become effective in the creation of future buildings. Increasing the preparedness degree of the construction market will expand the application of the three dimensional volumetric method into the development of structures such as bridges and skyscrapers (Kempton, 2010). Therefore, critical technological areas, for example, BIM need to be enhanced so that the full potential of the framework can be realized in the construction industry. Construction procedures The following steps are usually captured when constructing structures using three dimensional volumetric method of construction.

Step 1: Design Here, a description of the required structure is created to fit the needs of the project owner. Step 5: Plant Fabrication During this stage, the steel frame is being modeled to take the required shape. The sub-floor is then insulated to the steel frame before the floor decking is put at the top. This process is key in providing the required shape and appearance of the final structure. Step 6: Transportation The modules that have undergone fabrication are loaded and moved to the required site. Carriers that have proper systems of accommodating them are utilized here. Three dimensional volumetric approach of construction is not affected by weather conditions because of its materials are prepared in an indoor setting and are only brought out when they supposed to be installed (Kempton, 2010).

This characteristic makes it a better method than hybrid concrete construction, which combines various techniques including the on-site construction that weakens the materials. Case Study The preparation of materials involved the designing and manufacturing of modules using lean wood. Controlled factory conditions were provided to make sure the steel, concrete, and timber, took the required form. The assembly line used is located in Alaska, where all modular components were typically structured. The adoption of different operational concepts helps to increase the expansion and improvement of the utilization of the three dimensional volumetric method of construction. Equally, the continued development of communication systems among the experts makes it easier to standardize the essential parts of the method. From the discussion above, it is also notable that the method has various advantages such as cost and time reduction.