Building Systems
Modular building systems are temporary buildings constructed before on-site assembly. They are an inexpensive alternative to permanent buildings, and provide fast and clean assembly. They can be installed on a large variety of indoor surfaces and outdoor ground because modular buildings are not assembled with foundations. Because of this, many are portable and may be moved with a crane or forklift. Indoor building systems provide extra office or storage space, while outdoor systems serve as garages, shelters and storage facilities that are weather resistant. Steel is the building material of choice because it is strong yet lightweight, fares well in a wide range of weather conditions, and can be insulated easily. Industrial manufacturing facilities, warehouses, schools, offices, banks, storage buildings, parking garages, security and bus systems all use modular buildings for added space or protection. Prefabricated shelters like ticket booths and bus stops, as well as modular offices, are often made with windows, electricity and lighting fixtures.
All modular building systems are wholly or partially prefabricated at a manufacturing facility before assembly. The fully-constructed buildings or pieces are delivered to the building sites and then assembled by workers. Their components always include bases, frames, panels (which make up the walls), doors and ceilings. Some models are wired for electricity and have lighting fixtures installed in the ceiling, plumbing (if a kitchen or bathroom is needed), temperature control units and exhaust fans. Some modular building systems are used as permanent buildings, but most only last around a decade. Their popularity is steadily increasing, and it is predicted that 75% of all new buildings will be constructed with some form of prefabrication within the next 10 years.