What is Modular Coordination?

Modular coordination is a concept of coordination of dimension and space, in

which buildings and components are dimensioned and positioned in a term of a
basic unit or module, known as 1M which is equivalent to 100 mm.
It is internationally accepted by the International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) and many other countries.
The introduction of modular coordination in building will constitute a positive step
to streamline the industry towards proper metrication in building planning, design,
construction, assembly and manufacturing of building materials and components.
Thus, the modular coordination can facilitate the achievement of greater
productivity in the building industry by virtue of its ability to discipline the
dimensional and spatial coordination of a building and its components.
Moreover, modular coordination allows a more flexible open industrial system to
take shape.
The principal objective of implementing Modular Coordination is to improve
productivity in the building industry through industrialization.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

With the introduction of Modular Coordination in building, the concept will

provide a positive step to streamline the industry towards proper metrication in
building planning, design, construction, manufacturing and assembly of building
materials and components.
Benefits of Implementing Modular Coordination
The benefits of practicing modular coordination is to provide a practical approach
towards the following:
Facilitates cooperation between building designers, manufacturers,
distributors, contractors and authorities.
In the design work, enables buildings to be so dimensioned that they can be
erected with standard components without undue restriction on freedom of
design.
Permits a flexible type of standardization, which encourages the use of a
limited number of standardized building components for the construction of
different types of buildings.
Optimizes the number of standard sizes of building components.
Encourages as far as possible the interchangeability of components, in whatever
materials, forms or methods of manufacture.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Simplifies site operations by rationalizing setting out, positioning and

assembly of building components.
Ensures dimensional coordination between installation (equipment, storage
units, other fitted furniture, etc.) as well as with the rest of the building.

Terms:
Modular (Electrical) Wiring
A preassembled electrical cabling system, using pre-terminated electrical
cables usually made up into looms or wiring harnesses to provide the electrical
distribution system for all mains small power, lighting and appliances.
Multi-Purpose Riser
Multiple service vertical distribution module, constructed from primed or
galvanized mild steel and incorporating appropriate building services which
may or may not be insulated.
These modules can be connected offsite, but are often transported in 7.5m
lengths to avoid transportation problems.
The majority of the electrical risers are manufactured using a mesh or ladder
system to allow easy distribution at floor levels in various directions.
While the base structure may offer a level of standardization the dimensions
and carrying capacity will vary from between projects.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Beam and Block Floor

Extruded or wet cast prestressed
beams between 150 and 225mm
deep, spaced to suit the applied
loading and spans, together with
blocks of various types.
These may be purpose-made blocks with
rebates to suit the shape of the beams (tray
blocks).
Also commonly used are specially
shaped extruded or expanded
polystyrene blocks which provide a
high degree of insulation for ground
floors.
Component
A term used loosely for items that are
manufactured offsite and then assembled
together with other components.
If this is completed offsite then the product is Careful design of components
and their interfaces is crucial for
defined as a whole.
effective manufacture and
assembly.
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Panel Building System

Comprising walls, floors and roofs in the form of flat pre-engineered panels
that are erected onsite to form the box-like elements of the structure that then
require various levels of finishing.
This term applies to all different material types.
Pre-cast Flat Panel System
Floor and wall units are produced offsite in a factory and erected onsite, ideal
for all repetitive cellular projects.
Panels can include services, windows, doors and finishes.
Building envelope panels with factory fitted insulation and decorative cladding
can also be used as load-bearing elements.
Plant Room Module
(preassembled)
Packaged or skid-mounted
preassembled plant rooms prefinished
in the factory, ready for
direct connection to mains services
Onsite (AHUs, fans,
chillers, boilers, pumps together with
elements of the building envelope.
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

GRID
MODULAR COORDINATION
A module can be defined as a basic dimension which could for example form the
basis of a planning grid in terms of multiples and submultiples of the standard
module.
TYPICAL MODULAR COORDINATED PLANNING GRID:
Let M = the standard module

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Structural Grid
used to locate structural components such as beams and columns.
Planning Grid
based on any convenient modular multiple for regulating space requirements such
as rooms.
Controlling Grid
based on any convenient modular multiple for location of internal walls, partitions
dc.
Basic Module Grid
used for detail location of components and fittings.
All the above grids, being based on a basic module, are contained one within the
other and are therefore interrelated.
These grids can be used in both the horizontal and vertical planes thus forming a
three dimensional grid system.
If a first preference numerical value is given to M dimensional coordination is
established.
DIMENSIONAL COORDINATION
The practical aims of this concept are to :
1. Size components so as to avoid the wasteful process of cutting and fitting on
site
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

2. Obtain maximum economy in the production of components.

3. Reduce the need for the manufacture of special sizes.
4. Increase the effective choice of components by the promotion of
interchangeability.
BS 6570 specifics the increments of size for coordinating dimensions of building
components thus :
Preference
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Size (mm)
300
100
50
25
the 3rd and 4th preference having a maximum of 300mm
Dimensional Grids - the modular grid network defines the space into which
dimensionally coordinated components must fit. An important factor is that the
component must always be undersized to allow for the joint which is sized by the
obtainable degree of tolerance and site assembly :

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

CONTROLLING LINES, ZONES AND CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS

These terms can be defined by example

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Modular Brick Masonry

MODULAR UNIT DIMENSIONS
The listed dimensions of modular masonry units are "nominal'', and are equal to
the manufactured or specified dimension plus the thickness of the mortar joint
with which the unit is designed to be laid.

For example, the

manufactured length of a
unit whose nominal length
is 12 in. would be 11 1/2
in. if the unit were
designed to be laid with
1/2 in. joints, or 11 5/8 in.
for 3/8 - in. joints.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

GRID LOCATIONS OF MASONRY WALLS

Grid locations of mortar joints in walls constructed with various modular units
when the walls are centered between grid lines.
It can be seen that all grid lines coincide with horizontal mortar joints for only
the 2 - in. and 4 - in. nominal heights, thus providing 4 - in. flexibility.
A symmetrical grid location for walls is usually preferred to an unsymmetrical
position.
The fact that alternate grid lines coincide with the mortar joints provides a
simple rule for determining the location of a grid line with respect to the
masonry at any point above or below a given reference grid line.
Any grid line which is an even
multiple of 4 - in. from the reference
line will have the same relative
position with respect to the masonry
coursing.
This simple rule greatly simplifies
the checking of course heights,
particularly for lintels, where it is
usually essential that the head of the
opening coincide with a horizontal
mortar joint.
Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)

Dimensions in modular coordination

In the construction industry, it was felt that typical dimensions must be easy to
use in mental arithmetic.
Therefore, rather than using elements of a geometric series, a different system
of preferred dimensions has evolved in this area, known as "modular

coordination".
Major dimensions (e.g., grid lines on plans, distances between wall centers or
surfaces, widths of shelves and kitchen components) are multiples of 100 mm,
i.e. one decimetre.
This size is called the "basic module" and represented by the letter M.
For larger dimensions, preference is given to multiples of the modules 12 M (=
1.2 m), 15 M (= 1.5 m), 30 M (= 3 m), and 60 M (= 6 m). For smaller
dimensions, the submodular increments 50 mm or 25 mm are used.
Dimensions chosen this way can easily be divided by a large number of
factors without ending up with millimetre fractions.

Create PDF files without this message by purchasing novaPDF printer (http://www.novapdf.com)