MODULE

why ?
modern industrial society
economic growth
dynamic development
rapid expansion

increase in demand
increase in
standards
increase in
expectation

MODULE why
?
to match demand with
capacity to build

The modular system

is a link in the
industrialisation of
the
building industry

improve effectiveness
improve quality
improve cost
effectiveness
2

MODULAR OFFERS
dimensional coordination - simplify
& clarify
limitation of variants in
dimensions. promotes
Standardization. permits
Prefabrication. encourages
industrialization increase production
through increased productivity

dimensional
coordination

system of dimension that can create

clarity and order
dimensional coordination:
the application of a range of related
dimensions to the sizing of building
components and assemblies and the
buildings incorporating them
modular coordination:
dimensional coordination using the
international basic module, multi modules,
sub modules and a modular reference
system
4

dimensional
coordination
selection of dimensions :
the FUNCTION which determines principal dimensions, room dimensions, etc.
the CONSTRUCTION METHOD which determines the dimensions of individual
components, connections, etc.

dimensions are interrelated and need to be correlated

to achieve harmony in form, function and
construction method as well as
economically justified
5

limitation of
variants
1 in building trade, there are
numerous components with uniform
functions but with variations in
dimensions e.g. doors, windows,
storey height
2 standardisation of dimensions:
- agreement on preferred sizes
- remove arbitrary variations
- allowance for justified functional
and production requirements

standardisation
limitation of variants leads to

standardisation
should not limit

flexibility
creativity
design innovation

facilitates

specalisation in
manufacturing of selected
components
open building industry
distribution of work
manufacturers, fabricators,
installers
7

levels of
standardisation
National standardisation
MS 1064
Client standardisation
elements, processes
schools, hospitals, offices
Manufacturer standardisation
products, materials, sub-assemblies
Project standardisation
procedures, building elements

prefabrication
use of prefabricated building components
requires

key players

to operate on a

common dimensional system

clear and unambigous

suitable degree of accuracy

prefabrication calls for agreement on accuracy of the

production tolerances

to lay down limits within which

variations on a given dimension can
be tolerated
9

rinciple of repetition
functional requirements - dimensions of rooms & building
components are repeated and uniform in rooms with the same function

structural conditions

- structural details having the function are

given the same dimensions

Repetition of uniform dimensions

facilitates design
simplifies construction work
allows industrial production
10

modular
coordination
an international standarisation
of dimensioning system
principal aim

to achieve
dimensional compatibility
between building dimensions, span, or spaces
and the sizes of components or equipment
by using related
modular dimensions
11

basis of modular coordination

the use of modules (basic modules & multi
modules)
a reference system to define coordinating spaces
and zones for building elements and
componentsrules for positioning of building
elements within the reference system

rules for sizing

of components in order to
determine their work sizes
rules for defining preferred sizes
communication between participants in the
building process

12

the use of modules

Basic module
M = 100 mm
the smallest module to be used to coordinate
position and size of components, elements and
installations, related by reference 3D points, lines
and planes
Multimodules

3M, 6M, 9M, 12M . . .

planning modules for main dimensions of

framework : span, storey height etc.
M M
2
4
for sizing of components requiring increment
smaller than M
Submodules

13

the use of modules

horizontal planning
module

Mh = 3M (300 mm)

the horizontal planning module for structural

framework is based on the functional requirements
of the building and the components to be used for
economic design
vertical planning module

Mv = 1M (100 mm)

14

reference system
modular grids : used mainly during
planning / design stage
modular planning
grid :
based on determined multi
modules
for design of structural
framework
modular components are placed
in the modular grid

15

basic modular grid

For small
scale
drawings to
clarify
relationship
between
components
- 1M x 1M

1M

1M

Basic Multi Modular Grid

16

multi modular grids

formed with
intervals of
multi modules
squares with
same
intervals or
rectangular
used in key
plans,
showing
layouts and
positioning of
main building
components

nM

nM

Square Multi Modular Grid

17

tartan grids
nM

interrupted
modular
planning
grid
band of
interruptio
ns are
regularly
spaced in
both
directions
band of
interruptio
ns can be

nM

Tartan Grid
18

modular grid & modular components

1. modular planning grid is used mainly for the
design structural framework

2. modular component must normally be kept

within its modular zone but technical
considerations may require certain
connections which entail the components
exceeding their modular zones eg. tongue
and groove, bolted connections

3. with simple, uniform modular

components, there is no conflict with the
modular grid, however at connections,
either grid must give way or special non
modular components must be used

19

modular grid
& modular
components

20

positioning of building
elements
BUILDING PROCESS
componen
ts

desig
n

constructio
n

structural
components
non structural
components
finishes

architectural
design
structural design
services design

production
transportati
on
Installation

manufacturer
s suppliers

designers
manufacturer
s suppliers

designers
contractors
manufacturer
s suppliers

catalogues of
components

selection of
components
design of
components
decisions concerning
position, dimensions,
performance

production schedule
assembly of components

21

types of references

Modular reference systems enables designer

to relate sensibly elements of constructionenvelope, horizontal and vertical elements
boundary
reference
axial reference
interaxial
reference
flush reference

22

boundary reference
coordinates the position of
the building components
determines the nominal
size of components

boundary grid

placement of component
within two Parallel
modular coordinating
grids or planes so that it
fills the space or zone.

23

axial reference
coordinates the position of a components by
placing the component so that the middle-axis
coincides with a modular coordinating grid of
plane

axial grid

24

interaxial reference
coordinates the position and dimension
of building component by a reference

interaxial grid

25

modular zone

Flush Reference

coordinates the
position of components
by placing one surface
of the component flush
on to a modular
coordinating grid or
plane

flush grid

26

Coordinating Size
coordinating spaces - accommodate components with
allowance for joints and tolerances
coordinating
size

work size

joint

work size + one joint

27

work size
work size = manufactured size
deductions from coordinating sizes to accommodate
allowance for jointing to coordinate components
adjacent to one another
considerations for determining work size
manufacturing process
stocking method
transportation
handling on site
assembly
other relevant cost
28

joints
mc provides coordinating systems and effective mean
for identifying suitable locations of components joints

joint reference
plane displaced
from modular plane

joint reference
coincide with
modular plane

every joint should relate to a joint reference plane

29

tolerances
modular coordination provides a coherent system of
tolerance for building components and spaces
concept of tolerance - certain degree of accuracy in
production and placing (manufacture and assembly)
considerations for tolerances
product tolerance
installation tolerances
interfacing tolerance

30

preferred sizes

preferred sizes - to rationalise the

prefabrication process and to keep cost
down
preferred sizes limit variations
selection of preferred sizes to suit
function
construction method
material of component
economic
production

31

preferred sizes

32

communication

mc aids communication between

participants in building process through
established :
basic principles
terminology
drafting conventions

33

terminology

coordination size : a size of component which

accommodates the work size with allowances
for joints and tolerances to permit assembly
work size : manufactured size - a dimension
used by manufacturer to ensure that the
actual dimension lies between the maximum
and minimum dimension
preferred size : a size chosen for specific
purposes technical or economic reasons

34

drafting conventions
modular reference plane

modular axial plane

modular coordinating
dimensions

non modular zone

35

hierarchy of planning
not always possible to completely use
modular preferred dimensions and sizes
due to:

economic and functional

considerations
Order of priority:
1. Planning grid
2. Elements of building - eg. Col.,
beams.
3. Components -eg. Doors, windows
4. Finishes and built-in equipment
36

modular design rules

Determines positioning &
dimensioning of main building
components

37

planning approaches

horizontal planning

MH = 3M (300mm)
Facades
are placed flushed on the outside
to
a modular reference plane
external

n x 3M

internal
38

INTERAXIAL PLANING (Alternative 1)

Cross walls and structural frames (beam and column)
are placed according to two alternatives:-

the structural part of the component is placed

at the axis between two modular reference
planes spaced at 3M apart.
3M

n x 3M

39

BOUNDARY PLANING (Alternative 2)

the structural part of the component is placed
between a technical coordination space (not
necessarily modular because of technical or
economic reasons)
t1

n x 3M

40

Partitions
are placed flushed on either side of the
modular reference plane or line

n x 3M

n x 3M
41

horizontal planning - summary

n x 3M

external

n x 3M
internal

n x 3M

facades are always placed

on the outside of the modular
line

for crosswalls (structural)

or columns, use alternative
1 or
alternative 2

n x 3M

n x 3M

t1

3M
INTERAXIAL
PLANNING

partitions are placed

flushed to the modular
line

BOUNDARY
PLANNING

42

INTERAXIAL PLANNING (Alternative 1)

~ running wall panels can always be modular
~ column placed axially distance between axial is
modular
~ column size less than 3M or larger
~ if columns are modular, inserted wall panels can be
modular
running wall panel
inserted wall panel

n x 3M
3M

43

BOUNDARY PLANNING (Alternative 2)

~
~
~
~

coordination with a technical space

column can be designed economically
technical size can be non modular
inserted and running wall panels are modular if
technical size is modular
running wall panel
inserted wall panel

n x 3M

modular size

44

BOUNDARY PLANNING (Alternative 2)

~ if technical size is not modular, inserted wall panels
are modular but running wall panels cannot be
modular
running wall panel
inserted wall panel

n x 3M

t1

45

vertical planning
Floors are placed within a modular
floor zone of n X M increments

MV = M (100mm)

Floors to floor heights are vertically placed n X M

increments

n1 x M

n3 x M

n2 x M

46

vertical controlling dimensions

main controlling dimensions

intermediate controlling
dimensions

47

vertical coordination
roof
zone

Roof Zone

Window
Sill height

floor zone

Floor to
Ceiling Height

window
head height
window
sill height

floor to
ceiling height

Floor
Zone

storey height

Floor to
Floor Height

Door Head
Height

door head
height
Change of Floor Level

intermediate controlling dimensions

Fig 3-10 : Vertical Controlling Dimensions

48

vertical planning
modular floor plane coinciding with
upper surface of floor covering

49

vertical planning

Modular floor plane coinciding

with
upper surface of rough floor

Modular floor plane coinciding

with
upper surface of structural floor
50

modular design rules - summary

51

components and finishes

building parts - perceived as components
building process = assembling of components
influencing factors :
positions and sizes of
components
tolerances allowed between them
and their coordinating spaces

52

components and finishes

designing with
components
must be
conceptualised early
in design stage
bearing on choice of
planning grids and
approaches
structural

components
columns
beams
floor slabs
walls
Staircases
lift cores

non structural
components
o cladding
o partition
o doors, windows
Finishes
ceiling finishes
floor finishes
wall finishes

53

monolithic 3-D components

components are dimensioned and placed
inside, within the horizontal and vertical
planning module

54

non-monolithic 3-D components

components are dimensioned within the horizontal
and vertical planning modular increments.
the load bearing and self bearing parts if any, are on
the outside of the modular planes.

55

columns
basic dimensions
- 3M / multiples
of 3M
dimensions fit
into modular grid
planning
structural grid
dimensions are
for finished
dimensions

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

n x 3M

BOUNDARY PLANNING

n x 3M

DISPLACEMENT OF GRID PLANNING

56

beams
beam depth are
in the
increments of M
floor zone with
false ceiling
beams
accommoda
ted in floor
zone
beams
depth only
affect
services,
not walls /
partition
below

57

Beams without false ceiling

distance between
base of beam and
floor slab must be
modular to
accommodate the
components below
Window Head
Height

Floor to Floor Height

58

Floor slabs
depth in sub-modular
increments of 0.5M or
0.25M
precast slab-fit into
structural grid :12M
floor zone:
space allocated for floor assembly
extends from reference plane of
ceiling
to the finished floor surface above it
ceiling accommodated within the
floor zone
composition may vary
top of floor zone = top of floor finish
base of floor zone - bottom of ceiling
of the
floor below

Floor Finish

Top of Floor Zone

Screed
Slab

Composition
of Floor Zone
Service Space

False Ceiling
Bottom of Floor Zone

59

Precast floor slabs

width multiples of n x 3M, n x 6M, n x 12M
thickness within module zone of n xM
length - coordinating size in multiples of n x
3M
width n x 3M
n x 6M
n x 12M

nxM

n x 3M

Alternative 1

adaptation area

nxM

n x 3M

Alternative 2

60

precast load bearing

length of walls
determined by planning
grid dimensions and
finished wall dimensions
in cases wall do not fill
the whole wall zone,
where structure allows,
wall should be lined with
one side of the zone to
minimise number of
adaptation pieces

Walls

COMPONENT WALLS

61

Doors
dimensions - for
doorsets
controlling
spaces be
preferred
dimensions - to
allow the doors
be fitted without
undue
adjustments
(adaptation
pieces fitted in
walls or
partitions)

Floor
Zone

n1 x 3M

n2 x 3M
Door Component
62

windows

dimensions - for
windowsets
sill reference
plane may
coincide with
floor reference
plane
window head
reference plane
may coincide
with ceiling
reference plane

COORDINATING
WINDOW HEIGHT

COORDINATING
SILL HEIGHT

n x 3M

n x 3M

COORDINATING WINDOW SIZE

n x 3M

63

stairs

n x 3M

length of flights and

landing dimensions
are modular
goings, risers and
widths of flights are as
required by statutory
requirements
stairs located in
between floor
coordinating line
top of stair coincides
with top of floor zone

PLAN
n x 3M
TOP OF FLOOR ZONE

FLOOR ZONE

n x 3M

n x 3M

SECTION

64

Lift cores
n1 x 3M

external dimensions be modular to

relate to other elements
more than one lift - whole assembly is
treated as a single element
n2x 3M

SINGLE LIFT

n1 x 3M

n1 x 3M

n2x 3M

n2x 3M

SINGLE LIFT

LIFTS AND LOBBY

65