Modular Steel Construction Rehash Thread

[bookowski]

thread507-504345

Circling back to this thread.

@Warhamer
- Can you clarify where I could find the modular codes that you are referring to. My projects are not in any of the states that you mentioned, but I'd be interested in looking at those codes anyway to see if there's anything useful. I haven't found the codes that you refer to. I found this on the MBI website "While there is no modular code, our industry does have is a series of administrative rules and regulations, and in some cases guidelines and standards in place. But in terms of the building itself, our industry constructs to the same applicable building codes as our site-built peers."
- I did find a California "factory built housing program", is that what you are referring to? I didn't dig too deep into it but on a first pass it seemed to refer back to the standard codes for structural design. "The design and fabrication of factory-built housing shall be in accordance with the applicable building standards contained in Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11, Title 24, California Code of Regulations"
- Is there anything in the codes that you reference that is more restrictive than IBC/AISC/ASCE7? This project is in a moderately high seismic area so the designer (in EU) is currently working with aisc 341 for the steel design.
- A comparison of S355 to A572 indicates that their properties are very similar (at least in terms of Fy, Fu, elongation, and pretty close on the max content of various elements) but I have not made any headway on getting an approval from the ahj so the supplier is looking at testing.

 

[Richard_Honne]

I would look into the DSA IR 16-1 for design requirements for modular buildings specifically for educational purposes. They have stricter guidelines relative to the Factory Built Housing Program.

I typically design the steel box frame as an OMF. If the supporting dead load on the header beams is greater than 25psf, it's required to be designed as an SMRF.

I also try to keep a pin connection at the column base to foundation.

 

[Warhamer]

Bookowski,

Each State maintains this modular codes differently. What State would you be looking at?

You mention CA which runs the modular programs under Title 25 Chapter 3. There are some exemptions based on size of the final footprint of the build. The program is administered by HCD, which looks at all residential construction, however occupational licensing handles the commercial side, but administers under HCD.

As another example, VA has their modular program as part of their VA Building and Fire Code Regulations package. NY State and CT, have sections in their adopted building codes in the 100's giving information the programs existing. For NY State you go to the Department of State and CT you need to look up an approved agency.

The modular programs all use the IBC as the base building code. So seismic detailing and interconnection between modular units tends to get some additional viewing when in a high seismic area. States that do not do their own plan review for the modular program (examples NYS, AZ, AL, ID, OR, LA) request the third party/design review agency, do their own review of the structural portion. How involved the structural review is tends to vary.

MBI is a trade organization so they are setup to try and move that work to their supporting manufacturers, so when I did a quick look at their site I can't say I wasn't surprised to no links to the various State programs.



EIT, Modular Building Industry