Jurman, Shaun (2018) A case study approach to modular housing design & manufacturing systems. [USQ Project]
Abstract
A range of case studies are presented that identify concepts and methodologies in design & manufacturing systems for the modular home industry.
The objective is to highlight current industry practice and identify concepts & technologies that can be adapted by others to improve production, sustainability and affordability of modular homes. Ideally this work will introduce and inspire the implementation of technology or advance its state to better assist practitioners in the design & manufacturing systems that produce modular buildings.
An action research methodology was considered appropriate as a combination of site-based and literature-based case studies were conducted. The iterative and cyclic nature of the study demanded this flexibility.
The findings, largely qualitative, are analysed, evaluated and recommendations are presented based on engineering rigor. Site-based case studies were of relatively small companies and it was found that little technology and mechanisation is used to assist the companies in production. Contrary to that the Literature-based findings were mainly of large companies and the findings suggest that a heavy presence of technology and mechanisation is employed in these cases. This indicates that infrastructure is necessary in order to increase production and reduce the costs of modular homes. The challenge to minimise these large step changes implied with increased infrastructure implementation implies the need for more affordable and progressive technology inclusive of machines that are versatile, easy to operate and maintain.
The implications that design has on manufacturing are warranted considerations that effect the economic viability and sustainability of a project. Both design & manufacture are best considered as one holistic task that incorporates the concepts, technology, processes and material options.
Further investigation and research is required for the direct application to individual companies. The recommendations are merely a starting point that requires appropriate application of the principles in context of the needs of the company wishing to incorporate advanced design and manufacturing systems.
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Statistics for this ePrint Item |
| Item Type: | USQ Project |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (1 Jul 2013 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Goh, Steven |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Aug 2022 04:35 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jun 2023 01:46 |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | modular home; design; manufacturing systems; production; sustainability; affordability |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/40694 |
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