Structural Systems and Materials Used in Modular Housing

Structural Systems and Materials Used in Modular Housing

Modular housing relies on engineered structural systems and carefully selected materials to ensure strength,durability,transportability,and fast assembly.Compared with traditional construction,modular housing places greater emphasis on standardization and prefabrication while meeting the same structural and safety requirements.

1.Structural Systems in Modular Housing

1.1 Load-Bearing Modular System

In load-bearing systems,the modules themselves carry vertical and lateral loads.Walls,floors,and ceilings are designed as structural elements,allowing modules to be stacked or arranged horizontally.

Typical applications:low-to mid-rise residential buildings,container-based modular houses.

1.2 Frame-Supported Modular System

This system uses a primary structural frame(steel or reinforced concrete)on-site,while modular units act as infill components.Loads are transferred through the main frame rather than the modules alone.

Typical applications:high-rise modular housing,urban apartment buildings.

1.3 Hybrid Structural System

Hybrid systems combine modular units with traditional construction methods.For example,modular rooms may be integrated with cast-in-place concrete cores or steel frames.

Typical applications:mixed-use buildings,projects requiring high structural flexibility.

2.Structural Materials Used in Modular Housing

2.1 Steel

Steel is one of the most common materials in modular housing due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional stability.

Used in frames,columns,beams,and container modules

Suitable for long-distance transportation

Excellent seismic and wind resistance

2.2 Timber(Wood)

Engineered timber systems are widely used in residential modular housing.

Light-frame wood construction

Cross-laminated timber(CLT)panels

Sustainable and renewable material

Advantages:good thermal performance,lightweight,environmentally friendly.

2.3 Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete is mainly used in foundations,cores,or hybrid systems.

High durability and fire resistance

Good sound insulation

Often combined with steel or modular units

2.4 Composite Materials

Composite materials combine steel,concrete,timber,or lightweight panels to enhance performance.

Steel–concrete composite floors

Structural insulated panels(SIPs)

Fiber-reinforced panels

3.Envelope and Non-Structural Materials

Insulation:mineral wool,polyurethane foam,EPS/XPS panels

Exterior cladding:metal panels,fiber cement boards,composite panels

Interior finishes:gypsum boards,plywood,modular wall panels

Floor systems:steel deck,timber joists,precast concrete slabs

4.Performance Considerations

Structural systems and materials in modular housing must address:

Transportation stresses and lifting forces

Structural connections between modules

Fire resistance and acoustic performance

Thermal insulation and energy efficiency

5.Conclusion

The structural systems and materials used in modular housing are designed to balance strength,efficiency,and adaptability.Steel,timber,and hybrid systems dominate modern modular construction,enabling modular housing to meet diverse functional and environmental requirements.

References

GB/T 7714:Ye Z,Giriunas K,Sezen H,et al.State-of-the-art review and investigation of structural stability in multi-story modular buildings[J].Journal of Building Engineering,2021,33:101844.

MLA:Ye,Zhihang,et al."State-of-the-art review and investigation of structural stability in multi-story modular buildings."Journal of Building Engineering 33(2021):101844.

APA:Ye,Z.,Giriunas,K.,Sezen,H.,Wu,G.,&Feng,D.C.(2021).State-of-the-art review and investigation of structural stability in multi-story modular buildings.Journal of Building Engineering,33,101844.