Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is also known as modular construction.
Have you ever seen the work at the new housing construction site during their construction prefabricated PPVC modules where possible?
PPVC is an innovative and cleaner approach that has restructured the production of the construction industry. It is a construction method whereby free-standing units such as an entire kitchen or bathroom, are manufactured in factories and assembled in an off-site fabrication facility and are then transferred to a site where it is then installed – just like the building of Lego bricks.
Since 2015, the Singapore government has backed the move of PPVC technologies that install the entire block in a Lego-like manner. It was a major part of the Government’s push towards raising innovation and productivity in the construction sector.
The Key Benefit of PPVC
- Improved productivity – PPVC can improve productivity by up to 50% as it minimizes on-site manpower, reduce cost and time-saving. New homes constructed off-site can be built 30% more quickly with 25% lower cost.
- Better Construction Environment – PPVC minimize dust and noise pollution as the fabrication work is done off-site. Off-site methods reduce the need to work at height or underground thus improve workplace health and safety.
- Improved Quantity Control – Machine-made has higher accuracy and thus can produce higher quality end products, consistency and certainty. This approach will reduce wastage and environmental impact.
What to Consider When Using PPVC
- Extensive coordination and early commitment
There should be a close collaboration between project stakeholders (Developers, Project Managers, PPVC Supplier and Manufacturers) during the early phase of the project, so as to develop an effective technical solution for the project. - Increased transportation and logistics considerations
Since the modules are constructed off-site, they need heavy-duty trailers to transport to the actual construction site. Access to and within the project site, as well as the crane deployed on-site, must be able to accommodate the weight and size of the PPVC module delivery. Proper planning is required to avoid unnecessary costs. - Maintenance, replacement and renovation
In the case of precast structures, it might be difficult to modify the structure as it will impact the overall stability of the structure. PPVC Manual should be provided to the homeowner upon the completion of the project so that appropriate tools and considerations would be used when doing the renovation works.
In summary …
The design, construction and installation of the proposed PPVC system for building construction shall comply with the requirements by the respective agencies such as Building Construction Authority (BCA), Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), National Environment Agency (NEA), Power Utilities Board (PUB), and Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
With the growing number of projects using PPVC, there is a stronger demand for consultants and builders who are familiar with PPVC technology. Modern construction requires the construction sector to collaborate and build a wide range of new capabilities and skills. Singapore government has been pushing to raise the construction productivity level and has established funds to incentivise the adoption of the techniques and workforce capability development.
Through the key thrusts, it hopes to drive changes and encourages on the adoption of innovative technologies in pushing new boundaries. A step in the approach is now needed by all parties to shape the future of construction.
