In China They implemented a new construction method that allowed them to erect a ten-story building in just 28 hours and 45 minutes.
The new system belongs to the call industrialized modular construction or also known as «Live Building». Instead of solving everything on site, much of the process is moved to manufacturing plants and the land functions as an assembly point.
How was the construction of this building in China?
The building was developed by the Chinese company Broad Groupwhich has been working with modular steel structures for years. The work was completed in 2021 using modules that arrived practically finished, with electrical and sanitary installations already incorporated from the factory.
The Pre-manufacturing took about 15 days, a key fact to understand how the final assembly could be carried out in just over a day. The work on site was organized with three cranes and more than 100 workers, with a rhythm close to three floors per hour.
The modules have dimensions similar to a standard shipping container —about 12.19 meters long, 2.44 meters wide and 3 meters high— which makes it easier to transport in conventional trucks and reduces logistics costs.
Each unit was fixed using high-strength bolts and mechanical joint systems designed to ensure structural stability since any misalignment could affect sealing, acoustics or internal connections.
According to the company, the system also has structural advantages over traditional concrete. By reducing own weight, improves behavior against seismic movements and, in theory, allows resist extreme events such as magnitude 9 earthquakes or typhoons.
How modular construction works and why it allows you to build faster
While the modules are manufactured in the plant under controlled conditions, the land is prepared in parallel to receive them. When they arrive at the job site, the job basically consists of position them with cranes, fix them and connect facilities, a much more predictable process than traditional construction.
This scheme reduces human errors, minimizes material waste and avoids frequent downtime in conventional works.
In addition, it allows for more rigorous quality controls, since much of the process occurs in industrial environments where tolerances can be verified with greater precision.
The impact of the Chinese method on the future of global construction
Rapid build systems are starting to attract attention outside of China because they could influence the housing market and urban infrastructure. Building faster and at a lower cost is a global challenge, especially in cities with a growing housing deficit.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, China applied similar principles to set up hospitals in a matter of daysan experience that showed to what extent logistics and prefabrication can accelerate projects when time is a determining factor.
Another country that also has a history in this type of modular construction is India. In 2012, Synergy Thrislington built the Instacon, a 10-story commercial building in just 48 hours. Like the Chinese project, it relied on prefabricated steel modules that were assembled on site.
