Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Innovations
Overview
MiC, an innovative construction method offering the merits of the shortened construction period, better quality control, less demand for on-site labor, reduction in construction waste, etc., is being promoted to meet the increasing demand for housing. NAMI has developed a hybrid steel-concrete MiC which is highly applicable in Hong Kong to meet users’ living expectations.
Commercialisation opportunities
Non-exclusive licensing
Problem addressed
Conventional dry-wall system of steel structural-based MiC is not suitable under humid weather conditions and cannot be fitted with heavy appliances or furniture, while concrete based MiC is relatively heavier and smaller in size with limitations for construction. NAMI’s hybrid steel-concrete MiC by leveraging its patented high-strength lightweight foamed concrete can address these issues.
Innovation
- NAMI's hybrid MiC achieves C-25 structural strength but weighs only 60% of normal concrete, significantly reducing the weight of a MiC module of 8m (L) x 2.5m (W) x 3m (H) from over 30 tons to about 20 tons.
- The lightweight foamed concrete has 3 times more insulation than that of the normal concrete, enabling the finished modules to have superior electricity savings.
- The foamed concrete wall panel is lightweight and yet able to provide sufficient anchorage strength of 4000N for direct high-level wall cupboard installation for a favorable user experience. The material has also passed the certified fire resistance tests for wall and slab panels.
Key impact
- Reduced by 40% weight and member sizes of the MiC module due to the combined merits of steel structure and concrete
- Excellent durability and easy maintenance
- Superior fire-resistant and 3-time thermal insulation properties imparted by the structural-grade concrete, enabling significant energy saving, emission reduction and waterproofing
- Ideal for use in Hong Kong's environment
Application
- Public and private residential buildings
- Dormitory, transitional housing and hotel
- School and office
- Standardized and reusable building
Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI)
As a Materials Expert, Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI) has a strong portfolio of innovative technologies to support and collaborate with the industry, offering frontier-applied research on advanced materials as well as technology transfer for commercialization success.
NAMI, incorporated in 2006, is designated by the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Government as a Research and Development Center for nanotechnology and advanced materials. NAMI undertakes and provides support for market-driven research in nanotechnology and advanced materials, and strives for commercialization of the technologies to benefit the industry and the society at large, as well as re-industrialization to promote the economic growth and sustainability of Hong Kong.
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