Prefabrication and modularconstruction are getting renewed attention due to the benefits they offer, which can help the construction industry combat the ongoing skilled worker shortage, improve project performance, and potentially address the impact of the new coronavirus.
Dodge Data & Analytics (in partnership with Bradley and the Modular Building Institute (MBI) along with additional support from Pinnacle Infotech, MCAA, and Skender) recently published the Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020 report1 to help the construction industry better understand how prefabrication and modular construction are being utilized, the expected increases in implementation, the factors driving growth, and the challenges to wider use.
This article will look at the report’s original data and research with architects, engineers, and contractors using prefabrication and
modular construction. It will highlight the benefits to using these methods as well as the challenges faced by the industry.
The Study
The research for the Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020 report was conducted via an online survey with more than 600 respondents from Dodge’s database of contacts and participating associations and organizations including the MBI, MCAA, ABC, AISC, NECA, and TAUC.
Participants were divided into two groups – prefabrication and modular construction – and given questions based on their experience with each (those with no experience with either approach were screened out).
Prefabrication & Modular Construction Growth
Prefabrication
Those working in prefabrication were asked about two specific types: single-trade assemblies and multi-trade assemblies. Sixty-two percent of the overall participants reported that more than 10% of their projects have included single-trade assemblies in the past three years, which is expected to grow to 75% in the next three years.
Multi-trade assemblies are less widely used, as only 33% reported using them on more than 10% of their projects. Within three years, however, that percentage is expected to increase to 58%, a dramatic growth that suggests that the industry is increasingly interested in this approach.
Modular Construction
The modular construction group was asked about their current and expected use of four types of modular work:
- Panelized construction
- 3D modules/full volumetric construction
- Factory-made turnkey building units
- Relocatable modular structures
As with prefabrication, all four approaches are expected to grow in the next three years.
Current Use
Panelized construction is the most commonly used approach, with 48% of participants using this on more than 10% of their projects. Use of 3D modules on that share of projects is close behind at 44%, but factory-made turnkey building units and relocatable modular structures are currently used on a similar share of projects by only 31%.
Future Use
The greatest future growth is expected in the use of 3D modules/volumetric construction as 61% of respondents predicted they will use this approach on 10% or more of their projects in the next three years.
There is also notable growth expected in those using panelized construction (59%) and factory-made turnkey units (49%) for that share of work. More modest growth, though, is expected in the use of relocatable modular construction (39%), and the remainder of the research focuses solely on permanent modular construction, which includes the other three approaches studied.