A Focused Review of Modular Construction for Medical and Quarantine Facilities

Modular construction became a preferred option for building medical and quarantine facilities during the pandemic. It has a high degree of prefabrication where individual modules serve as complete spaces in buildings. These modules are manufactured in controlled environments and transported to construction sites for fast assembly. Considering the nature of a pandemic, the prevention of cross infection between occupants should be carefully considered in the floor layout design of medical and quarantine facilities. Ventilation systems are required to supply clean air to patients and health care staff and to create negative air pressure in the wards to further reduce the probability of disease transmission. This paper provides a focused review of modular medical and quarantine facilities, which cover the structural forms, floor layout design, and equipment arrangements. Further construction management technologies are highlighted for the modular prefabrication and construction of medical and quarantine facilities. (C) 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.

Automated summary

Modular construction has become the preferred choice for building medical and quarantine facilities during the pandemic due to its high degree of prefabrication and fast assembly. The floor layout design should carefully consider the prevention of cross infection, and ventilation systems play a crucial role in supplying clean air and creating negative air pressure. This paper provides a focused review of the structural forms, floor layout design, and equipment arrangements of modular medical and quarantine facilities, highlighting the importance of construction management technologies.