Impact of Module Arrangement on Loads, Structure, and Functionality in a Wooden Modular House

Abstract

Prefabricated structures play a significant role in modern construction due to the numerous benefits that positively impact the efficiency and quality of works and their sustainable development. Thanks to the constantly developing prefabrication sector, we can obtain more and more complex elements of buildings that would be impossible to make directly on the construction site. In the case of even such complex elements, their quality and precision of workmanship are at such a high level that it reduces the risk of any construction problems in the future.

The article presents a literature review on the history of wood and prefabrication, with a particular emphasis on the role of wooden modular construction in the scientific community. The review discusses studies related to construction efficiency, sustainability, and innovative design and technological solutions. In the subsequent part of the study, three single-family modular house models were designed using a previously calculated standard module as a base element. These buildings were composed of combinations of three or four modules. However, the analysis revealed that such constructions could not bear all the assumed loads. In response, individual optimisations were introduced to tailor the designs to specific requirements. This process involved modifying cross-sections, adding additional structural elements, and implementing extra supports, enabling the structures to meet the requirements of ultimate limit states (ULS) and serviceability limit states (SLS).

The research demonstrates that creating a universal module capable of fulfilling both ULS and SLS requirements in every configuration while maintaining structural optimisation is highly challenging. The results provide a significant contribution to the development of modular construction research. They offer valuable insights into the design process and enable the effective adaptation of modular units to specific configurations and project requirements in the construction industry.