Inefficiency on construction sites, addressing solutions that would facilitate faster operations in the pre-construction process and other challenges are making contractors turn to explore novelties in construction. Prefabricated and modular construction are some of these innovations and are equally prominent when it comes to efficiency, waste reduction and other challenges the industry is facing. However, which one would make a better choice and what are the differences between prefabricated and modular construction.
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Prefabricated Construction Characteristics and Benefits
Prefabricated construction, “prefab” or prefabricated building is a broad term that describes the process of producing modules or elements for the construction of the site. These prefabricated elements are then delivered to the construction site and assembled by workers. The process itself cuts the time spent on a construction site, while also reducing waste in construction. Cases of misplaced or lost materials are also reduced in number as prefabrication includes more convenient storage. Moreover, deliveries and workers are easier to organize when compared to traditional building processes, leaving room for fewer challenges when it comes to logistics. Streamlining and scheduling become more efficient with prefabrication as workers can prepare the construction site while another team of workers is working on prefabricated elements. Construction companies need to look out for numerous external factors, which include the weather, supervision of teams and management. Prefabrication in construction provides more control over the fragmented sector that construction represents.
Modular Construction as a Form of Prefabrication
While prefabrication stands for a wide term that describes a form of a construction technique that involves designing and producing elements that are later assembled on construction sites, modular construction is a form of prefabricated building. Prefabrication differentiates two different methods of creating construction components. Panelization involves building smaller elements, i.e. panels, that are later used on construction sites. Modular construction is perhaps an even efficient form of prefabrication as entire units are being built off-site. By using modular construction, the time spent on construction sites, as well as waste produced during construction, are significantly reduced.
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