Modular construction and DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) processes are becoming ever-more popular within the construction industry due to their time and cost-saving attributes. With offsite construction becoming a focus for major contractors, pod installation is fast becoming the modern alternative to traditional building methods.
The rise of off-site modular construction
From Mace’s “jump factory” in Olympic Village, Laing O’Rourke’s DfMA approach and Berkeley Group’s massive investment in a modular home factory in Kent, the construction industry has seen a massive shift towards off-site construction in the last 5 years.
The principle is great, but it can put some pressure on logistics teams. Some of the challenges we have noticed is an increase in specialist lifts, an increase in specialist equipment for those lifts and more vehicle movements required into inner city areas. We decided to explore a new concept for our pod lifter to make lifting pods a more efficient process. Watch the video to find out more about the concept…
The new Pod Lifter concept is designed using a lightweight frame and spreader bar, which allows for a large Working Load Limit. Doors on both sides mean the Pod Lifter can be pre-loaded at the factory and delivered to site, complete with pods. Off-site modular construction is a method that we fully support as it not only drives efficiency on-site, it also reduces material wastage.
An increase in pod transport into inner city areas prompted us to ensure that we could achieve maximum capacity on trucks, so by designing them at 4.2 metres long, three Pod Lifters can be loaded onto a truck at any one time.
What are the benefits?
- Cost Effective
A lightweight frame and spreader bar for lifting means the Pod Lifter has a large load capacity and is reasonably priced.
- Time Saving
Doors on both sides it ensures versatility for loading the Pod Lifter and building load out. Pods can be pre-loaded at factory and arrive on-site ready to be installed, saving even more time.
- Safer Lifting
The solid, lockable doors reduce the risk of packaging or materials falling from the pod lifter.
- Reducing Environmental Impact
Modular construction uses less materials and reduces both the impact of construction on the local community and building completion time.
Introducing new concepts to the industry through INNOVATE
The Pod Lifter is just one from a whole range of new concepts that have been created through our INNOVATE campaign. INNOVATE channels the feedback and requests received from our customers so we can design and create solutions that make construction processes quicker, simpler, safer, and more cost-effective.
How do I get involved in INNOVATE?
If you receive our emails then you’ll be notified for all future concepts, product launches and you’ll receive invites to any events that we throw in the future! If you’re not signed up, you can do so here, or follow us on social media (icons in our website footer).
However, if you have a good idea or have some content to share, get in touch by email hello@cqegroup.com
