Technology in modular construction
All you need to know about moisture protection, fire prevention and sound insulation
Today, high-quality buildings tailored to requirements with optimum building physics properties are being built using modular construction methods. As regards fire prevention, ALHO meets the requirements of DIN 4102 even in the standardised modular construction method, with fire resistance classes between F30 and F120 being reached. These results are confirmed frequently by regular in-house fire tests and independent fire prevention reports prepared by reputable institutes. By their very nature, ALHO modular buildings also offer very good sound insulation. The double-shell wall and ceiling system means that the relevant sound insulation requirements are not only met – they are actually exceeded. The building physics properties of the system structure used (construction free from thermal bridges) prevent moisture penetration of the loadbearing structure. We answer more questions about modular construction technology in the following.
What energy standards can be met using modular construction?
Like all other permanent structures, modular buildings are required to comply with the valid energy saving regulations and therefore meet the standards laid down in the EnEV (Energy-Saving Decree). The use of renewable energies required under the law combined with building component insulation, system technology and summer thermal insulation are easy to achieve using ALHO modular construction methods. In addition, it is also possible to construct low-energy modular buildings. A hospital has been built to "passive house"standards, for example, and a children's day care centre has been constructed as an EnergyPlus building. The ALHO modular method of construction is therefore extremely suitable for energy-saving building.
What is the storage capacity of the drywalls?
The storage capacity of the drywalls is not particularly important. With summer thermal insulation, the focus is on reducing inner thermal loads, caused by people and technology.
With modular construction, what kind of certification is provided with regard to thermal bridges?
A thermal bridge catalogue was created on the basis of a detailed calculation of the thermal bridge heat loss coefficients (and graphic illustration of the heat loss in the form of isothermal graphs); this then forms the basis of a precise calculation of the insulating properties of the parts of the building as part of the certification according to the energy saving regulations (not a flat-rate supplement).
How heavy is a module?
A module for office use, for example, weighs about 290 kg/m² gross floor area, excluding the facade and final roof covering.
Can the modules rust?
The steel structure of the modules is given a corrosion-proof coating. The external thermal skin (roof, gradient insulation and insulated facade) protects the module construction against harmful environmental and weather factors and stops it corroding.
What foundations are needed for modular constructions?
With modular buildings, the load is transferred as concentrated loads, not distributed loads. Consequently, pad or strip footings at the module axes are sufficient. Special foundations are possible if the subsoil requires them.
What building materials are used in modular construction?
In our modular buildings, we only use quality-tested materials and branded products made by German manufacturers, such as Knauf, Isover, Schüco, Sto, Herholz or Keramag.
How deep is the floor or ceiling slab structure?
With the double-shell ALHO ceiling system, the system ceiling depth is approx. 40 to 45 cm depending on the fire prevention requirements.
Are there sample specifications for inviting tenders for construction?
Sample specifications for a wide range of applications can be provided if necessary.