Hyundai Engineering Files Patent for High-Rise Modular Apartment Construction

Secured 1 New Modular Construction Technology and 17 Patents

Hyundai Engineering announced on the 4th that it filed a patent for the 'High-rise Modular Building Structure and Joint Technology' modular construction method on the 25th of last month.

The modular construction method involves prefabricating modular units, including major structures and building finishes, in a factory, then transporting and assembling them on-site for construction.

Hyundai Engineering adopted bundled columns and seismic/fire-resistant H-beams as the structural format for this modular construction method and devised four different modular frame joint methods.

The interior of a modular unit featuring the "bundle-type column" method adopted in a patent filed by Hyundai Engineering on the 25th of last month. Small columns are located inside the wall, not protruding into the room, maximizing space utilization.
[Photo by Hyundai Engineering]

The building structure using bundled columns refers to a method where multiple small columns are bundled together inside the wall between the ceiling beam and floor beam. This method places the small columns inside the wall so that the columns do not protrude into the interior, and structural safety can be secured by increasing the number of columns even in high-rise buildings, maximizing indoor space utilization compared to the conventional single-column method.

By utilizing seismic and fire-resistant H-beams, the fire resistance performance of high-rise modular buildings can also be improved. Hyundai Engineering plans to use high-quality seismic and fire-resistant H-beams developed by Hyundai Steel through research and development that enhance seismic performance and apply fireproof coating reduction technology.

It is also notable that various joint methods were devised to allow the selection of the optimal joint method for construction depending on design and construction conditions. Four methods were devised in total: two methods using high-strength bolts to join modular frames and two anchor-type joint methods injecting mortar. All four joint methods are designed to be constructed indoors, minimizing high-altitude work.

A Hyundai Engineering official explained, “With this patent, we have secured a total of 18 core technologies related to modular construction, including one new construction technology and 17 patents. In particular, the patent filed this time is significant as it secures core technology for constructing high-rise modular apartment buildings of medium to large sizes, which domestic housing consumers desire.”

Meanwhile, in July, Hyundai Engineering also registered a patent for the ‘Joint Sliding Method for Exterior Material Fabrication and Construction Technology’ that improves the exterior wall work process for insulation and airtightness. This method relates to easily constructing modular housing by sliding panel-type exterior materials into narrow areas between modular units. It minimizes workers’ high-altitude work, ensuring site safety and shortening construction time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.