• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2020.12a
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• pp.278-288
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• 2020

Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has gained quite momentum as it provides solutions for several problems in the construction sector, particularly in Hong Kong. MiC is converting the building into modules and erecting them easily on site providing various benefits, such as cost and time savings, better quality, lower risk, higher sustainability, less injuries and accidents, etc. The MiC is considered the best alternative to traditional construction approaches in solving the huge housing demand problem in many cities all over the world due to the time-saving privilege. The utilization of MiC is facing a lot of challenges, which are considered obstacles to the wide acceptance of this technique in the construction industry in Hong Kong. This, in turn, has led the interests of the research community to investigate its benefits and challenges aiming at addressing several solutions to harness the benefits of this technique and to tackle these challenges. The present research aims to review the main concept of MiC and to determine the benefits and the challenges of implementing MiC in construction industry. The findings of this research highlight the advantages and limitations of incorporating MiC technique in Hong Kong, which will help the stakeholders to effectively utilize this technique in the construction industry.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2020.12a
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• pp.343-352
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• 2020

Modular integrated construction (MiC) is an innovative construction method where components of a building are manufactured in an offsite factory, trucked to the job site in sections, set in place with cranes, and assembled together to form a whole building. Where circumstances merit, favorable conditions exist and implemented effectively; MiC improves project performance. However, several key factors need to converge during implementation to realize the full benefits of MiC. Thus, a thorough understanding of the factors which are critical to the success of MiC projects is imperative. Drawing on a systematic review of 47 empirical studies, this research identified 25 key success factors (KSFs) for MiC projects. Of these, the five topmost cited KSFs for MiC projects include effective working collaboration and communication among project participants; standardization, optimization, automation and benchmarking of best practices; effective supply chain management; early design freeze and completion; and efficient procurement method and contracting. The study further proposed a conceptual model of the KSFs, highlighting the interdependences of people, processes, and technology-related KSFs for the effective accomplishment of MiC projects. The set of KSFs is practically relevant as they constitute a checklist of items for management to address and deal with during the planning and execution of MiC projects. They also provide a useful basis for future empirical studies tailored towards measuring the performance and success of MiC projects. MiC project participants and stakeholders will find this research useful in reducing failure risks and achieving more desired performance outcomes. One potential impact of the study is that it may inform, guide, and improve the successful implementation of MiC projects in the construction industry. However, the rigor of the analysis and relative importance ranking of the KSFs were limited due to the absence of data.

• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2024.07a
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• pp.85-92
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• 2024

Reinforced concrete modular integrated construction (MiC) has been widely used in Hong Kong nowadays, but the solutions for temporary tying of the side walls during the construction of the composite wall have still shortcomings. Based on a MiC project in Hong Kong, this paper proposes a new inner tie system for composite wall. The system components are installed on the side walls of precast modules without penetrating through the side walls. After the loop is rotated to contact the hook, the tying effect can be generated when the concrete is poured on site between the middle gap of two modules. This system replaces tie bolts penetrating through precast side walls, so that the modules' interior fitting-out can be fully completed in factory and the on-site construction has no adverse effects on the internal decoration. This paper mainly describes the mechanism of the system, FEA simulation and optimization of the member size, as well as tensile and punching shear tests to verify the reliability, safety and to get more information about failure mode of the system. The system will be further examined by assembling 1:1 mockup modules, and finally applied to a real MiC project soon. The system can also act as permanent tie bars for the composite wall to reduce the total wall thickness, save the structural cost and increase the usable area. Compared with other existing tying methods in the industry, the system is easy to install, reliable to take loads, adaptable to large construction errors, and has the potential to be widely used in future practical projects.