Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction Joining Tech-niques Review

Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC), also known as volumetric modular construction has recently been adopted for high-rise building construction. However, efficient ways of joining the volumetric units on site have not been well developed. The intended high productivity is thus hindered and costs of the PPVC buildings are considerably higher than traditional construction methods. Additionally, issues such as module alignment and water penetration are often exposed during the assembly of modules. Moreover, local code requirements and geographical varieties often lead to different priorities and concerns in the development of joining techniques. This paper focuses on the generic joining techniques adopted in PPVC systems. Three joining methods are presented based on the different locations where the tightening of bolted connection occurs. The methods are evaluated based on the proposed constructability criteria and structural performance. The information gathered is useful for designers and contractors to understand the priorities and issues when developing new joining techniques.