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Putting it
All
Together
Prefab and modular construction methods could
have a big impact on Alberta’s future
BY BREANNA MROCZEK
In Alberta, modular and prefabricated
construction are significant considerations for
any engineering firm. Modular construction
involves manufacturing entire sections or modules
of buildings in a controlled factory setting and
then assembling them on-site. In contrast, prefab
construction refers to creating components of
buildings — like walls, facades or mechanical systems
— off-site for later assembly.
Peter Osborne, a partner at GEC Architecture, says
that modular construction is often used for projects
with repetitive elements, such as housing units
or classrooms, while prefab components are
employed across a wider range of building types.
“Modular construction reduces time spent on
the job site, which is particularly beneficial for
remote or challenging locations where labour
availability and conditions are issues,” Osborne
says, while “prefabrication demands higher
quality control and precision, which forces teams
to plan better and deliver more consistent results
compared to traditional construction.”
CONSULTING ENGINEERS OF ALBERTA
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