BUILDING CONSTRUCTION - MODULAR COORDINATION

1. MODULAR
COORDINATION
(BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS)

2. INTRODUCTION
• Modular coordination is a concept of coordination of dimension and space in
which buildings and components are dimensioned and positioned in terms
of basic unit or module.
• A module: a basic dimension which could for example form the basis of a
planning grid in terms of multiples and submultiples of standard module.
AIMS
• To achieve dimensional compatibility between building dimensions, span, or
spaces and the sizes of components or equipment by using related modular
dimensions.
• Making the planning simpler & clearer by distinct indication of location of the
building component in the building.
• Limiting the member of sizes of building component so that the linkage is
based on modular measurement.
• Facilitating cooperation between designers, manufacturers, suppliers &
builders.
• Providing practical and logical construction methods for the coordination of
the
position& dimension of elements, components & spaces in a building design.

3. BENEFITS OF MODULAR COORDINATION
• Better coordination and cooperation between various parties in construction;
• Reduction in design time, especially with the use of standard details and
dimensional coordination;
• Benefits through the increased use of Computer Aided Design and Drafting;
• Reduction in manufacturing and installation costs.
• Reduction in the wastage of materials, time and manpower in cutting and
trimming on site;
• Facilitating prefabrication.
BASICS OF MODULE
• The basic module is known as 1M which is equivalent to 100mm.
1M = 100mm
• There are three type of MODULE :-
(I) Basic Module (II) Multi Module (III) Sub Module
Basic Module:
• It is the fundamental unit of size in modular coordination and for general
application to building & components .The size of basic Module is taken as
100mm denoted by “M”
Multi Module:
• Certain whole multiples of basic module usually expressed in as “M” with numeric
prefix as 2M , 3M, 4M etc are referred to as multi module.
Sub Module:
• Certain submultiples of basic module which are whole simple fractions shall be
chosen when absolutely necessary for an increment smaller than the basic
module. For practical considerations, this sub modular increment shall be
expressed as “M” with fractional prefix as 1/5M, 1/4M, 1/3M,etc.

4. MODULAR REFERENCE SYSTEM
• The term modular reference systemsis the three dimensional system of
orthogonal spacecoordinates within the positions and sizes of components,
elements and installations can be related by references to points, lines, or planes.
• Controlling Reference System
Horizontal Controlling Dimensions Vertical Controlling Dimensions
MODULAR DRAFTING
• The 3 basic modular drafting conventions include, the grid , the arrow head and
the dot.
Modular Reference System

5. The grid interval is one basic module (100mm)
horizontally or vertically throughout the
structure. It should be shown on all drawings
requiring dimensional reference points.
To be used exclusively for modular dimensions
related to grid lines.
To be used for dimensional reference to points
other than grid lines. Use only where essential
to the clarity of a drawing.
Expression of modular coordination in plan and section
ZONES
• Zone - A space between reference planes within or in relation to which a building
component is arranged. The space may be left unfilled.
1. Wall zone - The zone where the wall is accommodated and it includes the
wall finishes.

6. 2. Floor zone - The space in section where the floor assembly is
accommodated, it extends from the top of the floor finish to the bottom of the
ceiling of the floor below.
3. Roof zone - The zone stretching from the bottom of the ceiling of the top
floor to the top of the roof of the building.
PLANNING APROACHES
• There are 2 basic approaches to planning in Modular Coordination.
1. Face Planning
2. Axial Planning
Face Planning Axial Planning
• The 2 approaches of planning can be combined. In the planning process, it is
easier to begin with the modular grid and determine the positions of the major
Face planning is used to position
components and elements of
construction in relation to the grid.
It determines both the positions
and sizes of components and
elements of construction. It also
shows the relationship between
different components.
Axial planning normally
determines the positions of major
components e.g. columns, cross
walls. The grid lines in this plan
will run along the centre lines of
the components. The distance
between the grid lines is always
modular.

7. elements using the axial planning. The face planning will then be introduced for
the positioning and sizing of various components and also to design the joints.
Combination of face and axial planning
EXAMPLE OF MODULAR COORDINATION DRAWING
Plan Section