Modular timber construction: innovations, challenges and opportunities

In an article published in the magazine Applied Sciencehighlights the pioneering methodology of modular timber construction to demonstrate its environmentally friendly approach and structural improvements. Wood is emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials such as concrete and steel. Its lightweight, environmentally friendly nature, combined with advances in manufacturing, accelerates modular construction processes.

The article covers various aspects from the basics of modularity to layout design, structural systems, mechanical, electrical and plumbing component integration. It emphasizes the adaptability and efficiency of wood in factory production. Despite the focus on modularization, on-site linear assembly remains common.

Recent trends show a shift toward post-and-beam construction, reflecting taller building designs. However, timber structures often maintain rectilinear, symmetrical plans, with centrally located cores being preferred. The document aims to bridge the gaps in modular timber construction and guide future developments to fully utilize the benefits of prefabrication and modularity.

Promoting modular wood

This state-of-the-art review used a systematic approach to collect and analyze relevant literature on modular timber construction by focusing on geographical, temporal and thematic boundaries to map the current landscape and identify knowledge gaps. The screening process in which the selected categories are categorized works thematically and leads to a critical analysis and synthesis of trends, challenges and innovations in modular timber construction. The resulting article structure provided a coherent narrative that reflected historical evolution, recent developments, and future projections.

The important role of wood in tall buildings has attracted worldwide attention for its durability and structural properties, stimulating interest in multi-storey timber structures. Researchers highlighted wood’s structural strength and fire safety, which supports its viability for tall buildings. Pioneering projects such as the Limnologists Tower in Växjö and the Stadthaus in London showed confidence in this typology, despite regulatory barriers affected by historic large-scale fires. Government incentives have further stimulated tall timber construction in leading European countries such as France, Canada and Sweden.

The adoption of multi-storey timber structures is largely due to collaboration between industries, research institutes and governments, positive marketing and increased customer interest in sustainable buildings. Notable examples include the e3 building in Berlin, the Brock Commons Tallwood house in Vancouver and the HoHo development in Vienna. Countries with a tradition of using wood, such as Sweden and Canada, have quickly embraced new technologies for the construction of tall buildings. In contrast, in other countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany, wood use has grown, albeit with concerns about fire safety and the sustainability of the material. However, extensive studies on the practical application of wood in multi-storey buildings have yet to be completed.

Modularity of wood: efficiency unleashed

The principles of modularity in wood buildings emphasize efficiency and adaptability through standardized, repeatable components. This approach, ranging from one-dimensional frame structures to three-dimensional volumetric modules, enables versatile and adaptable solutions in construction. Hybrid systems combine structural approaches to optimize performance and meet specific project needs. Manufacturing, transportation and installation dimensions are crucial in prefabricated timber structures and influence design considerations and logistics planning. Incorporating modular wood products reflects a holistic approach to modern construction, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency and flexibility in the built environment.

Design of wooden buildings

The layout design of wooden buildings involves many factors, including structural considerations, architectural expressions and spatial arrangements. The design process navigates through various challenges and opportunities, from the geometric description of buildings to the use of modular systems. Timber construction encompasses a spectrum of structural solutions, often integrating timber with other materials such as concrete and steel to optimize performance, durability and design flexibility. This approach meets the technical requirements and contributes to the evolution of modern construction practices towards sustainability and innovation.

Structural systems in modular buildings

The design of structural systems for modular buildings in the context of high-rise buildings is crucial to ensure stability, safety and efficiency. Several approaches are being taken to address the unique challenges of vertical expansion. Typically, these approaches involve the use of prefabricated modular units with different structural systems.

A common method involves stacking modules vertically to create multi-storey structures, optimizing space use without compromising ground space. However, to ensure load resistance in high-rise structures, additional stability technologies may be required, such as steel braces, concrete cores or moment frames. Another approach involves a superstructure of beams and columns, which provides stability and support for prefabricated modules. Alternatively, modular units can be anchored directly to the central core of the building, strengthening structural coherence.

Despite the lower compressive strength of wood compared to materials such as concrete and steel, it offers remarkable structural efficiency in gravity-resistant systems of tall buildings. However, problems arise in seismic areas due to the non-ductile nature of wood, necessitating the combination of wood with other materials such as steel and concrete to improve structural integrity.

In practice, timber construction often involves hybrid constructions, where wood is combined with concrete or steel elements to optimize performance. Concrete cores and podiums have increased over time by contributing to lateral stiffness, fire resistance and simplified construction processes, while timber elements provide structural protection, thermal insulation and design flexibility benefits. Integrating wood with other materials, such as wood-concrete or steel-wood composite components, further expands design possibilities and improves structural robustness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing structural systems for high-rise modular buildings was a crucial undertaking that required careful consideration of several factors. Various approaches, such as vertical stacking, superstructure and core anchoring, provided solutions to optimize space and ensure stability. Problems persisted, especially in seismic areas. Combining the structural efficiency of wood with materials such as concrete and steel has provided opportunities for improved performance and innovation.

Hybrid constructions that incorporate wood and other materials always offer a balance between strength, flexibility and durability. The pursuit of efficient and safe structural systems in modular buildings necessitated a holistic approach integrating material selection, construction methods and performance requirements.

Journal reference

Tenório, M., Fet al. (2024). Contemporary strategies for the structural design of multi-storey modular timber buildings: a comprehensive review. Applied Science, 14:8, 3194–3194. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083194, https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/8/3194

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