Modular Systems

Modular systems are generally made of prefabricated units (modules) consisting of bars welded together in a shop and connected to each other on site. (Usually bolted together along the top layer, such as in Space Deck, or bolted at the corners such as Unibat.) and connected at the bottom layer using extra bars. The modular systems are generally more cost-effective if the spatial structure is made of the same size modules. These systems have small module size of about 6 ft and are used for structures with relatively small spans. The Unibat system has been more economical than the Space Deck System since the top layer members are used more effectively. In addition, the Unibat System is easier and faster to assemble than the Space Deck System because there are fewer connections. In the case of the Space Deck System, it is possible to camber the double-layer grid by adjusting the length of the bottom layer members.