The Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) and Athletic Solution, in collaboration with MTEC-NSTDA, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi unveiled a modular steel construction system designed with a digital platform at a public hearing organized on 6 December 2022.

MTEC Executive Director Dr. Julathep Kajornchaiyakul said that this public hearing is aimed at presenting the latest innovation to support the transition of Thai construction industry to a circular economy. A modular steel construction system developed from the research project is well in line with the circular concept as it offers rapid and high-quality construction processes and material reusability, resulting in improved resource use efficiency and contributing to the low-carbon society. MTEC is ready to support the construction sector in Thailand to apply this innovation, making the transition to a circular economy and low-carbon society.

In addition, a seminar was held with speakers from the industry discussing trends of modular construction systems and mechanisms to drive a circular economy and sustainability in construction businesses in Thailand.  Speakers at the seminar include Mr. Wikrom Vajragupta, Construction Material Cluster Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries; Mr Vichai Rairat, Sustainable Development Director of SCG Cement-Building Materials, Mr. Weerakorn Saitep, Board of Directors of BIMobject Thailand; and Mr. Boonchai Supudomkul, Head of Project Engineering & Innovation of Central Pattana.

Dr. Nongnuch Poolsawad, MTEC researcher and leader of this project explained that Building Information Modeling, or BIM, was employed to manage supply chain and material quality control, as well as to assess the circularity indicator of modular building construction system.

This project was funded by PMUC and Athletic Solution Company Limited. The innovation not only offers a good financial return for businesses, but also provides a pathway to sustainability under the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model.