0 Introduction

0.1 The principle of modular coordination

The principal purpose of modular coordination is to simplify and make more economical the design and construction of buildings, by standardization of sizes, in such a way that components fit with each other when assembled on site as parts of a building.

Modular coordination is based on a standard reference system which uses the international basic module of 100 mm for the coordinated control of spaces in buildings, as well as for the sizing and locating of building components and elements.

Modular coordination is a well established practical discipline which has been thoroughly proven over many years in many different constructions and circumstances, in most countries.

0.2 The need for modular coordination

0.2.1 General benefits.

The principal effect of modular coordination is to facilitate cooperation between building designers, manufacturers, distributors and authorities; it provides a flexible type of standardization which encourages the use of building components having a restricted number of standard sizes for the construction of different types of buildings.

Building components produced in standard ranges of sizes can be interchanged, whatever their form, material or method of manufacture.

Site operations are simplified due to the rationalized sizing, setting out, positioning and assembly of building components.

0.2.2 Practical benefits in the design office.

BS 6750 specifies a framework that permits diversity of design through the use of components having standardized modular sizes.

The standard provides for interchangeability of components, which allows a flexible response to user requirements and individual needs.

The standard also provides a basis for the systematic consideration of joint design to improve fit and performance.

Modular coordination is of particular significance in the light of the increased use of computers in design, costing and construction, where three dimensional coordinates are invariably needed in computer modelling to describe the location and size of spaces, elements and components and as a basis for the assessment, calculat ion and specification of their performance and costs.

0.2.3 Practical benefits in the manufacture of components.

This standard specifies a way of sizing components to fit standard spaces in any building, and gives guidance on the selection of ranges of sizes that will reduce variety yet increase potential applications by virtue of interchange ability.

Adoption of a reduced range of selected standard sizes simplifies ordering of material, manufacturing processes, stock holding, invoicing, distribution and packing.

0.2.4 Practical benefits on the building site.

Adoption of the procedures specified in this standard will reduce waste on site arising from cutting to fit, accelerate the assembly process by ease of fit, and facilitate the coordination of the different trades and suppliers. Adoption wilI also ensure that equipment, services, storage units and fitted furniture can be incorporated in the building in a coordinated manner.

0.2.5 Summary.

Modular coordination makes use of:

(a) the basic module (i.e. 100 mm);
(b) multimodules (see clauses 2 and 3);
(c) submodular increments (see clauses 2 and 5);
(d) a modular grid reference system to define zones and coordinating spaces for building elements and for the components which form them;
(e) rules for locating building elements;
(f) rules for selecting preferred sizes for building components and coordinating sizes for buildings;
(g) rules for sizing building components; including their work sizes.

BS 6750:1986

Specification for modular coordination in building

Current

Published:

29 Aug 1986