Prefabrication and modular construction differ from traditional construction methods, which involve transporting basic materials to the site. Prefabrication is the process of assembling components of a structure off-site in a warehouse or other location and transporting complete assemblies to the construction site. Modular construction involves constructing sections (or "modules") off-site and then delivering those modules to the site to be installed and joined together.
Architects and engineers need to know every detail of their project before it can be built. They use drawings, sketches, and models to develop the design, but that process is not always done well. Mistakes or missing information in these elements can lead to significant delays and increased costs.
BIM is a useful tool for prefabrication and modular construction, allowing the design to be built virtually before being physically constructed. This technology helps achieve more complex designs, improves communication between stakeholders, and ensures the structures are built to a high quality.
Because of their production line character, prefabrication and modular construction can enhance construction efficiency and lower costs. Prefabrication firms, like factories, specialize only on these duties and will often make the same product many times to send to different building sites. Because the activities are repeated, they can operate more effectively than an on-site tradesperson who would have to customize his approach to the specific workplace. This strategy also allows for a reduction in material prices and waste since they may buy materials in bigger quantities, lowering the cost per piece, and using any surplus for the next project, lowering waste and the expenses associated with trash.
Autonomous machinery has the potential to improve the execution of repetitive operations such as those engaged in prefabrication and modular building processes. Autonomous machineries such as robots and cranes can perform jobs efficiently, consistently, and reliably both off-site in specialized facilities and on-site at building sites. The usage of these machines can minimize the time required to complete jobs, lower the risk of damage to building components and other equipment, reduce the chance of workforce injuries by removing employees from potentially hazardous duties, and eventually increase the facility's capacity. All of these things will save money. Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being employed to perform more complicated jobs.
By combining these construction approaches with an effective modeling tool, engineers may save up to 20% on standard on-site building construction costs and cut construction time by up to 50%. This is due to higher component fabrication efficiency, cost savings from design flaws and poor communication, reduced material waste, labor and rework expenses, and improved overall scheduling to minimize conflicts or unanticipated challenges.