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Modular Construction
Modular vs Traditional Construction:
Eight review items to evaluate the use of modular construction for your biopharmaceutical projects
My Engineering offers its expertise to help you select the best solution for your biopharmaceutical cleanroom construction needs. My Engineering provides you with eight review items based on experience gained from projects worldwide. Although each solution has its advantages and disadvantages, we have grouped these considerations to guide you towards the most appropriated solution.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Modular and Traditional Construction Systems?
Execution Time
In the biopharmaceutical construction sector, the lead time is a major concern. In order to optimize time and resources a constant search for adjustment is applied.
– The modular construction allows offsite construction for schedule optimization.
– The design of the modules in standard formats saves additional time and therefore anticipates the purchasing phases compared to the traditional approach.
– Depending on the location, modules transportation is the riskiest project stage and requires a particular attention and scheduling.
– The construction is carried out in a workshop, in a supportive environment, by a team dedicated to the whole project. It follows a methodology, using efficient tools with the support of the supplier quality team close to the production process. In traditional approaches, the construction is carried out in a variable environment and under less favorable conditions.
– On-site modular construction starts at a later stage of the project whereas in the traditional approach the construction stages follow a successive sequence allowing a more observable review of the progress on the building site.
Integration in Existing Building (Revamping)
Modular construction is difficult to adapt to existing facilities, the customization possibilities are reduced.
In contrast to traditional construction, which is carried out in situ and therefore adapts perfectly to existing buildings.
Integration for New Building (New Facility)
In the case of a new building, the building structure is designed considering the modules and therefore allows an easier integration of these.
The interfacing of the modules is carried out on-site and guarantees continuity of the assembly.
The traditional construction is in comparison fully customizable. All designs are possible. The architectural requirements of the customer alone can justify the choice of modular vs traditional.
Supply Chain
In low industrialized areas, where the availability of raw materials and experienced labor near the site is not assured, the construction of modules off-site can ensure a continuous supply of resources.
Quality
Factory assembly provides a controlled environment for efficient construction with good quality and resource management.
Nevertheless, the customer has a limited control to those activities, which can lead to impactful mistakes. However, the quality can be checked during efficient and regular factory visits and so, corrective actions can be taken before shipment.
With a traditional construction, the quality can be affected by the technical competences of local available resources, the site environment and the equipment available but in the case of design changes, on-site modifications are easier to implement.
Installation and commissioning
For modular the installation is simply a plug and play setup of the modules. Interfacing the modules and connecting them to the utilities are the only activities on site.
In traditional construction, local conditions can affect the construction site and have a significant impact on the schedule.
The presence of several contractors requires also a more intense coordination.
EHS – Environment, Health and Safety
The module manufacturing activity is carried out in controlled and secure environments.
The interactions with other contractors are limited and thus create a safe working environment.
In traditional construction, the high level of activity on site increases human risks. Managing the coordination of the contractors on site is thus essential.
Cost
The differences in the life cycle costs between modular and stick-built cleanrooms can vary depending on several factors such as size, complexity, and the level of customization required for the cleanrooms.
However, in general, modular cleanrooms tend to have higher space/ratio costs mainly due to the transportation with a direct link to the geopolitical situation.
The long-term operation costs are similar for both modular and traditional solutions. This includes maintenance, repair and building operation costs.
Conclusion
As a conclusion, the turnaround time is a major issue in the sector, and the modular construction offers clear advantages in terms of global project lead time, EHS and quality.
However, the adaptability of a modular construction can be limited, and costs significantly higher.
The project supply chain and the local conditions are also an important decision criterion and a modular construction has big advantages for low industrialized areas.
It is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each option carefully before taking a decision.
And it is definitely there that the My Engineering team will use its expertise to help you making the best choice for your project.
Wondering what would be the best choice for your project?
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