Traditional methods of construction have long been criticised for being slow, inefficient, and dangerous, with reduced quality and increased costs, among others. This has led to the emergence of diversified construction techniques and systems, one of which is modular construction. Modular construction is a prefabricated construction process that allows components of buildings to be constructed off-site, in a manufacturing environment, which are then assembled on-site. Therefore, with the continued industry shift towards modularisation, in addition to the emergence of Industry 4.0, both aspects interject and require alignment to help create a more functional and efficient modular market. Based on this premise, the aim of this paper is to undertake a review of modular construction in Ireland and its adaptation with the development of the fourth industrial revolution and its impact on the modular industry. A pilot study is used as the basis for discussion with 4 individual semi-structured interviews undertaken, with a view to developing a wider study on the topic. To complement this, a critique of existing literature is undertaken. Subsequently, qualitative analysis is carried out in the form of thematic analysis of the interviews conducted, examining both facets within the construction industry in Ireland, focusing on maturity and the rate of adoption within construction firms in Ireland. Results indicate that the modular construction market in Ireland is steadily growing, despite a myriad of problems. Industry 4.0 initiatives have assisted the modular market greatly, yet they present their own set of complications within the process. The results of this study will aid those investigating and currently implementing modular construction in furthering this initiative, while also not only addressing but maximising the opportunity that industry 4.0 brings to the Irish modular.

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Modular Construction in Ireland and Its Adaptation to Industry 4.0: A Preliminary Review

  • Shane Carmody,
  • John P. Spillane,
  • Jim Bradley,
  • Noel Clarke

摘要

Traditional methods of construction have long been criticised for being slow, inefficient, and dangerous, with reduced quality and increased costs, among others. This has led to the emergence of diversified construction techniques and systems, one of which is modular construction. Modular construction is a prefabricated construction process that allows components of buildings to be constructed off-site, in a manufacturing environment, which are then assembled on-site. Therefore, with the continued industry shift towards modularisation, in addition to the emergence of Industry 4.0, both aspects interject and require alignment to help create a more functional and efficient modular market. Based on this premise, the aim of this paper is to undertake a review of modular construction in Ireland and its adaptation with the development of the fourth industrial revolution and its impact on the modular industry. A pilot study is used as the basis for discussion with 4 individual semi-structured interviews undertaken, with a view to developing a wider study on the topic. To complement this, a critique of existing literature is undertaken. Subsequently, qualitative analysis is carried out in the form of thematic analysis of the interviews conducted, examining both facets within the construction industry in Ireland, focusing on maturity and the rate of adoption within construction firms in Ireland. Results indicate that the modular construction market in Ireland is steadily growing, despite a myriad of problems. Industry 4.0 initiatives have assisted the modular market greatly, yet they present their own set of complications within the process. The results of this study will aid those investigating and currently implementing modular construction in furthering this initiative, while also not only addressing but maximising the opportunity that industry 4.0 brings to the Irish modular.