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10 Modern Building Construction Techniques

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When it comes to building construction techniques, many of today’s methods have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. But as technology advances and job site demands evolve, new techniques are needed to solve contemporary building problems.

Leveraging the power of digital design, cutting-edge software, advanced automation, and precision robotics, modern building techniques have rapidly revolutionized the construction industry. But what exactly are these modern building techniques and how can they be applied to your next project? 

Interested in using modern building techniques for your next project? Get in touch with us today.

 

What are Modern Methods of Construction?

Modern methods of construction (MMC) are innovative building construction techniques used by construction professionals that streamline the construction process. From comprehensive digital design to prefabricated building components, modern construction methods help lower costs and reduce construction time while driving sustainability.

Modern construction methods involve both onsite and offsite techniques, and the specific MMCs used by a construction company will vary depending on the nature of the project. There are a wide variety of innovative modern construction techniques being used by construction professionals today that you should know about.

Pre-engineered/Precast Flat Panel System

In a precast flat panel system, floor and wall units are produced off-site in a specialized facility. The pre-engineered panels are then installed on-site to create structures with minimal construction time. This method is especially useful for projects that involve a repetitive cellular design.

Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) Technique

With an insulating concrete formwork (ICF) approach, builders use double-walled polystyrene panels as the basis for the walls of a building. The empty panels are filled with construction-grade ready-mixed concrete to ensure a strong, durable structure. Airtight ICF systems provide excellent insulation for both heat and sound and help buildings to maintain steady thermal mass energy.

Augmented Reality-Assisted Building

Augmented reality (AR) has been touted as one of the most innovative technologies adopted in the construction industry, and for good reason. Leveraging building information modeling (BIM) and wearable AR equipment, developers can explore fully-rendered and completely accurate 3D renderings of particular structures. This is incredibly useful for pre construction planning as well as determining specific materials required for construction in a new building system.

 

Raised Access Flooring

Raised access flooring is a modular construction method that uses modular floor panels installed over an existing floor surface. The raised floor panels are suspended over the existing floor to create empty space that can be used to channel plumbing, electrical wiring, or HVAC systems rather than installing them in ceiling space. Repairs and maintenance can be much more easily performed through raised access floor panels compared to overhead systems.

3D Volumetric Construction

In 3D volumetric construction, three-dimensional units are produced in a specialized facility and then transported to relevant job sites for assembly. 3D modules can be made with varying degrees of complexity. Some units may be a bare structure while others can come with external finishes and internal features already installed.

Hybrid Concrete Construction

As the name suggests, hybrid concrete construction is a combination of construction methods. Specifically, hybrid concrete construction uses cast-in-place concrete with other precast materials like steel or concrete units. A hybrid method using both in-situ construction and precast materials helps to accelerate facility construction and lower project costs while controlling the overall quality of the building process.

Thin Joint Masonry

The thin joint masonry building technique helps to reduce build times by lowering the amount of mortar needed to construct structural walls. Using a special adhesive mortar, large-format concrete blocks can be layered much faster while lowering waste and cutting costs for required construction materials.

Precast Concrete Foundation

Every building needs a solid foundation but constructing a traditional concrete foundation can be an exhaustive process. With precast concrete foundations,  the building components are produced in a specialized facility, then assembled on-site. This method mainly involves the use of concrete piles connected together to form a cohesive foundation system. Precast concrete foundations are ideal for extreme climates or other hazardous construction situations where speed and efficiency are crucial.

Twin-Wall Technology

Twin-wall technology allows for streamlined construction using both precast and in-situ concrete. Two concrete slabs are separated by a cast in lattice girders and then joined through reinforcement techniques. The space between the twin walls is filled with concrete to ensure structural integrity. This construction method is most often used in combination with precast flooring.

Timber Frames

Using wood or timber frames is an indispensable modern building method thanks to advances in the manufacturing of engineered wood products. Engineered wood products (EWP) such as plywood panels are attached to the studs framed walls to provide surgical support and surface area. Besides wood panels, there are also EWP posts and beams, which are designed to be stronger than similar components made from raw timber.

Flat Slab Construction

This method uses flat slabs of concrete reinforced with concrete columns. Flat slab construction is a method that eliminates the need for support beams and offers flexibility in the layout of the structure since there are no restrictions on height between floors. As with many modern building techniques, flat slab construction reduces overall time needed for installation and construction.

What are the Challenges with Modern Methods of Construction?

Modern methods of construction offer tremendous benefits for construction professionals and their clients. But that’s not to say that there aren’t some challenges with current MMCs.

Material availability and labor shortages can impact the progress of construction. But with a reputable homebuilding partner, these potential problems are not usually a concern. In the Agorus® construction process, for example, only a small team of builders and a few days of work are required to complete the job. And materials are expertly produced in our state-of-the-art in-house facility to ensure that all necessary building components are ready for installation the moment they arrive on the job site.

Benefits of Modern Construction Techniques

As we’ve seen from the examples provided above, modern building techniques accelerate project timelines and help to reduce construction costs. But there are other tangible benefits of using modern building methods.

  • Eco-friendly – MMCs generally have less environmental impact than traditional construction methods. The MMC production process generates lower emissions compared to conventional material manufacturing, assembly, and installation. Not to mention, the energy-saving insulation of many MMCs can help to reduce carbon footprints.
  • Energy-efficient – New construction techniques leverage ultra-efficient insulation, and less energy is required to heat or cool interior space. As energy costs rise around the world, MMCs offer more sustainable energy solutions built-in to every construction project.
  • Less risk – Because MMCs are produced in a controlled manufacturing environment and pre-planned using advanced software, there is far less risk in the construction process. Builders don’t usually need to work from elevated positions, so the risk of falls and injury is greatly reduced. Hazards like live construction vehicles are also eliminated.
  • Higher quality – Traditional construction is subject to delays and unforeseen complications. MMC products made in off-site facilities are standardized and consistent, resulting in higher-quality construction on a shorter timeline.
  • Comfortable – Most of all, buildings constructed using MMCs are comfortable and structurally sound. With airtight insulation, indoor temperatures stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Choose the Agorus® Advantage

At Agorus®, we provide a transformative new model in home building. Our team leverages cutting-edge technology to accelerate the construction process, giving you high-quality, ultra-precise home builds in a fraction of the time.

Using complete digital models of residential projects from custom plans, we can ensure that every piece of material is in its right place before construction starts. We’ll create custom components made in-house using advanced robotics and quickly transport those components to your job site. And of course, our elite team of installers will get the job done quickly and efficiently, usually in just 3-5 days.

If you’re interested in streamlining your next home-building project using some of the innovative construction techniques we’ve explored in this blog, get in touch with us today.

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FAQs

What is modern building technology?

Modern building technology, or modern methods of construction (MMC), are modern building techniques used by construction professionals that streamline the construction process with the help of cutting-edge software and manufacturing equipment.

What is meant by building techniques?

Building techniques are the construction methods associated with various materials, procedures, and applications involved in various construction projects.

What are 3 building techniques?

Three modern building techniques that are being widely used today include precast flat panel systems, 3D volumetric construction, and insulating concrete framework.

 

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