Tharaka Gunawardena

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an overview of available literature on structural performance, benefits, constraints and challenges of prefabricated building systems, including full-scale tests, numerical modelling, hybrid simulations, case studies and social and economic assessments.

TL;DR: In this article, a case study of a multistory apartment building that was constructed using prefabricated modules is presented, where the static and dynamic behavior of the structure is analyzed using finite-element analysis techniques with the aid of a 3D computer model.

Abstract: Prefabricated Modular Buildings are increasingly becoming popular in the construction industry as a method to achieve financially economical buildings in a very short construction time. This increasing demand for modular construction has expanded into multi-storey applications where the effect of lateral loads such as seismic loads becomes critical. However, there is a lack of detailed scientific research that has explored the behaviour of modular buildings and their connection systems against seismic loads. This paper will therefore present the nonlinear time history analysis of a multi-storey modular building against several ground motion records. The critical elements that need special attention in designing a modular building in similar seismic conditions is discussed with a deeper explanation of the behaviour of the overall system.

TL;DR: In this article, prefabricated modular structures are proposed as a highly desirable time-efficient solution to post-disaster housing reconstruction in different parts of the world, such as Haiti and Haiti.

TL;DR: In this paper, the structural performance of modular buildings is analyzed and designed against lateral loads according to globally accepted methods and the knowledge gained about the structural behaviour and performance of prefabricated modular buildings can be used to propose key design principals that Engineers can use in designing modular buildings.