MODULAR STEEL STRUCTURES BENEFIT EVERYONE FROM THE NATIONAL ECONOMY TO NATURE, FROM THE HOMEOWNER TO THE INVESTOR
At the 7th Construction Management Summit organized by the Istanbul Project Management Association, the future of the sector was discussed in all aspects from sustainability to new generation applications and innovation. Melih ŞİMŞEK, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Structural Steel Association and Founder of Consera, stated that modular steel construction method should become widespread in order for Turkey to become a leading country that exports construction, not construction materials. ŞİMŞEK said that modular steel structures, which are safe against earthquakes, offer 60 percent faster construction and high value-added return, will help the economy of the country, from the people to the nature, from the investor to the contractor company and, of course, from the investor to the contractor company.
and that it has brought great gains to everyone.
Experts from the construction industry came together at the 7th Construction Management Summit organized by the Istanbul Project Management Association. The summit, held at Istanbul Feriye Palace on April 27, discussed many topics such as "Innovation in the Construction Industry", "The Future of Materials", and "People in the Construction Industry in the Future". Melih ŞİMŞEK, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Structural Steel Association (TUCSA) and Founder of Consera, took part in the summit with his speech titled "Pre-engineered Modular Construction Management and Gains".
"Turkey has everything to become a world giant"
Stating that the modular steel construction method should become widespread in order for Turkey to become a leading country that exports construction, not construction materials, Melih ŞİMŞEK said, "Modular steel structures, where construction is largely produced in the factory and completed on site, provide great gains to everyone from the country's economy to the public, from the public/investor to the contractor company, to nature. Strong brands such as Ikea-Skanska Boklok and Elon Musk started to take part in the modular building sector with Boxable. Turkey has everything to become a world giant in this field. Imagine, in order to produce one million houses in three years, 2 million tons of structural steel, 72 thousand people and 5 100 thousand square meters of factory space are needed every year. Turkey produces 50 million tons of steel and according to 2023 data, we have 3.5 million unemployed people. If we get rid of our prejudices, we can become the country with the largest modular steel construction industry in the world."
Safe Housing for the Public, Fast Return to Investors
Modular steel structures are both earthquake safe, sustainable and
Reminding that it is a construction model that brings high added value to the country's economy, ŞİMŞEK summarized the gains of this method for the public, public/investor, nature and our country as follows in his presentation;
- "Modular steel structures are a method used for earthquake-resistant buildings all over the world. It provides the user with at least 50 percent operating cost advantage without requiring additional insulation and wall thickness increase. It offers efficient space utilization and architectural quality due to the absence of column and beam protrusions. Ease of after-sales maintenance and operation and longer building lifetime."
- "Construction cost is more economical for the public/investor. Investment return period is advantageous as it enables construction at least 60 percent faster. Easier inspection and cost control compared to traditional construction methods. Lower building insurance premium cost. Sustainable project financing can be used. It has a longer building lifespan and offers high recycling value at the end of its lifespan."
- "More economical construction costs and fast progress payments resulting from at least 60 percent faster construction are a great convenience for contractors. High efficiency is achieved through lean project management. Since it is produced industrially in the factory, material and labor wastage is low and mechanical and electrical works are done cleanly and quickly. Waste management is easy. It offers high security, especially by eliminating structural elements from human and manufacturing errors. Modular steel structures have lower mobilization and overhead costs on the job site. Since most of them are finished in the factory, the construction process continues without being affected by climatic conditions as less work remains on site. In addition, the difference between actual and planned is small in cost control."
- "It is a method that respects nature due to clean production. According to UN reports, construction causes 38 percent of carbon emissions, while modular steel structures support the fight against climate change due to low carbon emissions. It saves natural resources as recyclable materials are used.
Reduces environmental damage due to low concrete usage; helps to protect natural resources as water consumption and energy needs are low."
- "When Turkey switches to modular steel construction, it will have an earthquake-resistant, fast, economical and sustainable construction method. Energy consumption will be reduced in the production and use of buildings.
The problem of dependence on foreign energy will be alleviated. Our carbon emissions will decrease. Employment will increase and unemployment will decrease. Construction factories that can export construction will be established, so that construction will be the driving force of our country's economy as a sector that brings high added value."
