Modular Emergency Relief: A Proposal for Integrating Modular Buildings into Post-Flood Reconstruction and Recovery

Abstract

Recurring floods in Pakistan have created a pressing need for post-disaster reconstruction and recovery solutions. Modular emergency relief could be a viable solution to this research's housing crisis caused by recurrent floods. In this context, the study aims to comprehensively examine the modular building design, construction processes, cost-effectiveness, the use of energy-efficient materials, structural integrity, and transportation challenges from various case study projects. Furthermore, it proposes a modular house design that utilises a 6D-BIM model to assess the feasibility of the design comprehensively. Using primary model design data and a secondary literature review, of the findings from the case studies, the research integrates cost-effective and energy-efficient materials with standard modular construction techniques along with a transportation and deployment plan. A disaster-relief Colony Plan of 200 Modular houses with Amenity structures is also proposed. This 6D-BIM modelling is performed which allows for a comprehensive design feasibility assessment, by integrating the 3D model with Project Timeline Scheduling (4D), Cost Estimation and Simulation (5D), and Energy Analysis (6D) assessment. This 6D BIM design and analysis provides a comprehensive analysis and argues for the viability of the project in the future. By filling this research gap, the findings are expected to inform the stakeholders involved to facilitate the adoption of efficient and sustainable solutions for mitigating the impact of the housing crisis due to floods in Pakistan and similar disaster-prone regions worldwide by providing a modular design approach for rapid deployment disaster-relief Modular housing solution.