Modular Construction

Reference Design

The following modular construction concept is based on standard practice from the following references. New or alternative concepts can be compared to this reference design, and if found better, then become the new reference design.

• American Institute of Timber Construction, "Timber Construction Manual", 3rd edition, John Wiley & Sons, 1985.

Concept Description

• The system consists of bolted timber framing on a standard spacing, and bolted filler panels of standard sizes. Using bolts allows additions and modifications relatively easily.

• Timbers and other lumber are cut locally from on-site trees, then dried using an on-site solar kiln. Un-used parts of the tree are left in the forest, or returned after cutting. Some additional nutrients are added to the forest for sustainability.

• Wood is left untreated to avoid substances like creosote or metallic salts. This requires an above ground foundation to protect the wood from moisture and termites. To keep the system modular, concrete column footers can be used under each wood post. If a building is modified, the footers can be extracted and re-used elsewhere as needed.

• Truss braces are used as needed for stability, and cut steel plates and welded angles are used where needed for joint strength. Where loads are not as high, frames and filler panels are bolted directly to each other.

• Roofing, exterior covering, windows, doors, insulation, and utilities can be pre-installed into filler panels. In this case they need to be in standard locations so they line up. Edge overlap will be needed to prevent leakage. Alternately these can be added later, in which case they should be installed with bolts or screws so they can be removed.