Glossary of Modular Design and Construction Terms

Glossary of Modular Design and Construction Terms

EVstudio brings world-class expertise to modular design and construction with a team of architects and engineers dedicated to offsite solutions. We optimize modular methods for efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings while maintaining exceptional design quality. Below is a glossary of 50 essential terms and acronyms related to modular design and construction.

1. Assembly
   A prefabricated section or system installed onsite, like a wall or floor module.
2. BIM (Building Information Modeling)
   A digital process for creating and managing a project’s 3D models and construction data.
3. Box Module
   A complete volumetric unit prefabricated offsite for building assembly.
4. Chassis
   Structural steel framing providing support for modular units during transport and installation.
5. Closed Panel
   Prefabricated panels delivered with finishes, insulation, and services installed.
6. Component-Based Design
   Design approach where building parts are standardized for modular assembly.
7. Construction Tolerance
   Allowable variation in dimensions ensuring modules fit together seamlessly onsite.
8. Crane Set
   Process of lifting and placing modular units into position using a crane.
9. Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)
   Approach optimizing design for efficient prefabrication and onsite assembly.
10. Dry Connections
    Bolted or mechanical connections used for faster and cleaner onsite assembly.
11. Envelope
    The exterior shell of a building, including walls, windows, and roofing.
12. Erection Sequence
    Planned order for placing modular components during onsite assembly.
13. Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
    Inspection ensuring modules meet quality standards before leaving the factory.
14. Hybrid Construction
    Combination of modular and traditional construction techniques for maximum flexibility.
15. ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
    Global standards governing modular design, transport, and construction quality.
16. Jack-Up System
    Temporary lifting system supporting modules during alignment and installation.
17. Lean Manufacturing
    Process reducing waste and improving efficiency in modular construction factories.
18. Logistics Plan
    Strategy for transporting, delivering, and installing modular units onsite.
19. MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
    Critical building systems integrated into modules during offsite fabrication.
20. Modular Chassis
    Steel frame providing rigidity and support for modular units during transport.
21. Modular Footprint
    Physical area occupied by a module, defining its size and placement.
22. Modular Pod
    Pre-built volumetric units like bathrooms or kitchens, installed into larger assemblies.
23. Module-to-Module Connections
    Structural and service connections linking adjacent modular units onsite.
24. Offsite Construction
    Process of building components or units in a factory before transporting them to the site.
25. Onsite Assembly
    Installation and connection of prefabricated modules at the final building location.
26. Open Panel
    Prefabricated panels delivered with basic framing but without finishes or services.
27. Parallel Fabrication
    Simultaneous construction of multiple modules in a factory to reduce project timelines.
28. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC)
    Modular buildings designed for long-term use and integrated into site infrastructure.
29. Pod System
    Compact prefabricated units for specific spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, or elevators.
30. Prefabrication
    Process of constructing building components in a factory-controlled environment.
31. Quality Control (QC)
    Factory inspections ensuring modules meet design, safety, and code standards.
32. Racking
    Movement or tilting of modular units during transport, requiring structural reinforcement.
33. Rapid Deployment
    Quick delivery and installation of modular units for time-sensitive projects.
34. Relocatable Modular Building
    Temporary modular structures designed for reuse or relocation.
35. Seismic Design
    Engineering of modular units to withstand earthquakes and other ground forces.
36. Service Core
    Centralized area within modular units housing MEP systems for efficient installation.
37. Set Day
    Scheduled date for lifting and installing modular units onsite.
38. Shop Drawings
    Detailed drawings for modular components produced during the prefabrication process.
39. Shipping Frame
    Temporary support structure ensuring safe transport of modular units.
40. Site-Built Integration
    Connection between modular components and site-built structures.
41. Skid
    Temporary platform used to transport and position modular units.
42. Stacking
    Process of vertically placing modular units to create multi-story buildings.
43. Steel Moment Frame
    Rigid steel structure providing lateral stability to modular buildings.
44. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
    Prefabricated panels with built-in insulation, enhancing energy efficiency.
45. Thermal Bridging
    Heat transfer across modular components, mitigated through careful insulation design.
46. Tolerance Stack-Up
    Cumulative effect of small dimensional variances in modular components.
47. Transportable Module
    Modular unit designed for safe relocation and reuse across different sites.
48. Turnkey Modular Solution
    Complete modular projects delivered ready for occupancy.
49. Volumetric Modular Construction
    Prefabrication of three-dimensional units like rooms or building sections.
50. Weatherproofing
    Measures ensuring modular units remain protected during transport and installation.

At EVstudio, we leverage our expertise in modular design to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient, and sustainable projects. Our integrated team of architects and engineers ensures seamless execution and exceptional results for offsite construction. Partner with EVstudio to maximize the value of modular construction for your next project.