Modular Coordination Verification Scheme
by Wan Ahmad Jailani Wan Mahmud
Product Certification Unit
SIRIM QAS Sdn Bhd and the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) had officially launched the Modular Coordination Verification Scheme on
CIDB has appointed SIRIM QAS to provide verification services to the modular coordination scheme established in pursuant to compliance to the series, MS 1064: 2001, Guide to modular coordination in buildings.
The introduction of modular coordination in building will constitute a positive step to streamline the industry towards proper metrication in building planning, design, construction, assembly and manufacturing of building materials and components. Thus, the modular coordination can facilitate the achievement of greater productivity in the building industry by virtue of its ability to discipline the dimensional and spatial coordination of a building and its components. Moreover, modular coordination allows a more flexible open industrial system to take shape.
What is Modular Coordination?
Modular coordination is a concept of coordination of dimension and space, in which buildings and components are dimensioned and positioned in a term of a basic unit or module, known as ‘1M’ which is equivalent to 100 mm.
It is internationally accepted by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and many other countries as well as
MS 1064: 2001 which will be focusing on the series where preferred dimensions for the building products are applicable and/or any other standards recognised by CIDB. The Malaysian Standards available currently under the series are as in the table below:
This scheme covers various types of building products based on dimensional coordination only. The scheme is designed to cater both locally and overseas manufactured and imported building products.
The scheme consists of two processes, Verification Process and Alternative Batch Verification Process and are shown in Flowcharts 1 and 2 below.
The benefits of practicing modular coordination is to provide a practical approach towards the following:
· Facilitates cooperation between building designers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors and authorities.
· In the design work, enables buildings to be so dimensioned that they can be erected with standard components without undue restriction on freedom of design.
· Permits a flexible type of standardisation, which encourages the use of a limited number
of standardised building components for the construction of different types of buildings.
· Optimises the number of standard sizes of building components.
· Encourages as far as possible the interchangeability of components, in whatever materials, forms or methods of manufacture.
· Simplifies site operations by rationalising setting out, positioning and assembly of building components.
· Ensures dimensional coordination between installation (equipment, storage units, other fitted furniture, etc.) as well as with the rest of the building.
The modular coordination mark contains the logo, the word SIRIM, standard number and certification number.