Plug and play skyscrapers
![]() |
Typical steel module (left) was modelled in a 40-storey building (right) |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Off-site manufacture of ‘plug and play’ modules is fast gaining ground in the housing and plant sectors. What are the engineering challenges for using it for high-rise buildings?
Modular construction, in which complete assemblies – ranging from plant rooms to apartments – are manufactured and tested off-site and then simply slotted into position on-site, is revolutionising construction worldwide.
Benefits include shorter construction, greater safety, reduced waste and higher performance. It comes under various names, including ‘modern methods of construction’ in the UK, ‘permanent modular building’ in the USA, ‘prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction’ in Singapore and ‘modular integrated construction’ in Hong Kong.
[edit] Engineering challenges
However, devising modular systems for high-rise buildings is more technically challenging than those currently used for low- to medium-rise structures, particularly where space is at a premium and strong winds and seismic loading are likely.
Lifting and handling of modules is also a major concern, so reducing module weight is a priority. However, reducing the self-weight may result in excessive tension uplift under strong winds and lead to non-linear behaviour during earthquakes.
In addition, the lateral stability of modular buildings is primarily provided by a reinforced concrete stair and lift core. For high-rise structures, stability can be increased by adding steel outrigger arms to the core and steel edge columns, but analysis of the stresses induced in the modules becomes highly complex.
[edit] Solutions and recommendations
The University of Hong Kong recently carried out a feasibility study for the Hong Kong government on the use of modular construction for high-rise buildings.
Structural schemes for 31–40-storey buildings using commonly-manufactured steel modules were numerically modelled in the Etabs software and analysed against codified critical wind loads.
The results showed that modular high-rise buildings are feasible regarding structural stability – that is, they can satisfy the limitations in top-storey and inter-storey drift due to wind loads.
This however depends on careful design of the core wall layout, core wall thickness and connections between the modules and the core.
Modules with one side directly connected to the core are recommended so that the majority of lateral loads can be transferred to the core by each module independently.
Also, these connections should be designed as pin-ended in the vertical direction. As a lower-bound approach, pin-ended connections were used in the numerical model and were further checked against finite-element analysis using Abaqus in terms of stiffness, load capacity, deformation and stress distribution.
[edit] Higher strength materials
In addition, high-strength steel columns of grades S690 or even S960 can be used for manufacturing the modules to ensure sufficient load-carrying capacity.
For concrete modules, adopting fibre-reinforced concrete walls and/or slabs can help to reduce structural weight to an optimum level.
Authors: Wei Pan, Ray Su, Yancheng Cai and Ben Young, The University of Hong Kong. This article is based on the authors’ briefing article issue 174 CE4 of the ICE Civil Engineering journal. November 2018. Source: https://www.ice.org.uk/news-and-insight/the-civil-engineer/december-2018/plug-and-play-skyscrapers-can-it-be-done
--The Institution of Civil Engineers
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Advanced construction technology.
- Advanced manufacturing.
- BSRIA launches Offsite Construction for Building Services topic guide.
- How to make projects off-site ready.
- ICE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Modern methods of construction.
- Modular buildings.
- Off-site construction.
- Offsite manufacturing.
- Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.
- Prefabrication.
- Skyscraper.
- The Institution of Civil Engineers.
Featured articles and news
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.