[Let's Run Again K Construction] Eco-friendly Modular Construction Technology Connected to Saudi Arabia

Smart Construction Support Center 2nd Center Completed in 10 Months
MOU with Saudi Arabia on Modular Business... "Expanding Order Opportunities"

Smart Construction Support Center 2nd Center Exterior / Photo by Samsung C&T Corporation

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] Samsung C&T Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for modular business cooperation with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Korea last month. This MOU, made in anticipation of smooth cooperation with Saudi Arabia, which is promoting the Neom City project, is expected to serve as a starting point for the overseas expansion of domestic modular housing.

A Samsung C&T official said, "PIF is involved in major national projects within Saudi Arabia," adding, "We will not only secure orders for various Saudi infrastructure projects including the Neom City project but also strengthen our position in the modular construction market." The 'Neom Beta Community' project, which plans to build a residential complex of 10,000 units using modular methods in Neom City, has not yet been officially ordered.

Modular construction significantly reduces on-site work and increases standardized factory work, making it relatively safer and ensuring uniform quality. It is also environmentally friendly as it reduces noise, dust, and waste emissions. Additionally, simultaneous work at the factory and on-site can shorten the construction period.

Samsung C&T is making every effort to successfully enter the modular construction market. In May, Samsung C&T completed the 'Smart Construction Support Center 2nd Center,' the first public modular debut and the first smart turnkey project.

The Smart Construction Support Center 2nd Center, commissioned by the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, consists of a total of 69 3D box-type modules. Samsung C&T completed the project in about 10 months from site preparation and civil engineering to completion. This was possible because modules were manufactured simultaneously in the factory while foundation and other on-site work were underway. It took only 8 days to transport and install the completed modules on-site.

To maintain the quality of pre-manufactured modules even after transportation and installation, more precise design is required compared to on-site construction. Samsung C&T introduced Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) for manufacturing and assembly and fully utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM). They also conducted pre-installation simulations of modules using new technologies such as Mixed Reality (MR).

Samsung C&T emphasized that by applying new construction methods and technologies, they were able to comply with the construction schedule while ensuring quality and safely completing the construction without a single minor accident.

Development of core technologies to strengthen modular construction capabilities is ongoing. Currently, Samsung C&T has filed patents for modular-related technologies such as vertical joint structures between modular units, modular joint systems using steel rods, construction methods for block modular buildings, and modular floor structures combining steel beams and lightweight concrete panels. This year as well, they are actively continuing research and development (R&D) with domestic and international expert groups on joint technology, floor system optimization, and securing factory production technologies.

A Samsung C&T official stated, "We will build a three-story full-scale modular mock-up building in Dongbaek District, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, where people can actually live and experience the performance, and secure related capabilities through various experiments and performance improvements."