Systems and methods for providing modular building structures based on site-specific conditions

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing modular building unit or “pods” are provided. In various embodiments, site-specific conditions and risk factors are evaluated and identified. The conditions and risk factors are used to inform decisions and design requirements for one or more pods and to modify or reinforce a pod prior to installation if needed. Methods and systems of securing the pods are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of installing a modular building unit, the method comprising:
 providing a prefabricated modular building unit;   positioning the prefabricated modular building unit on a substrate and proximal to at least one wall;   securing the prefabricated modular building unit by providing an anchor extending through at least a portion of the prefabricated modular building unit and through the substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of identifying the seismicity value of the physical location in which the prefabricated modular building unit is to be installed. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein when the seismicity value is of a predetermined value or higher, determining that multiple anchors are to be provided and securing the prefabricated modular building unit by providing at least one of the multiple anchors extending through at least a portion of the prefabricated modular building unit and through the substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor is provided proximal to a blind corner of two walls. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing at least one of an anchor and a brace between an upper portion of the prefabricated modular building unit and a structure or slab above the prefabricated modular building unit. 
     
     
         6 . The method  claim 1 , wherein a hole or aperture operable to receive the anchor is preformed in the substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one wall comprises a fire-rated wall panel. 
     
     
         8 . A method of providing a modular building unit, the method comprising:
 determining a first site-specific condition;   determining a second site-specific condition;   providing a modular building unit;   based on the first site-specific condition and the second site-specific condition, determining anchorage requirements for the modular building unit;   positioning the prefabricated modular building unit on a substrate and proximal to at least one wall;   based on the determined anchorage requirements, anchoring the prefabricated modular building unit by providing an anchor extending through at least a portion of the prefabricated modular building unit and through the substrate.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the first site-specific condition comprises a seismicity factor based on geographic location. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the second site-specific condition comprises at least one of an importance factor and a factor of safety. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein when the seismicity value is of a predetermined value or higher, determining that multiple anchors are to be provided and securing the modular building unit by providing at least one of the multiple anchors extending through at least a portion of the prefabricated modular building unit and through the substrate. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the anchor is provided proximal to a blind corner of two walls. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising providing at least one of an anchor and a brace between an upper portion of the modular building unit and a structure or slab above the prefabricated modular building unit. 
     
     
         14 . The method  claim 8 , wherein a hole or aperture operable to receive the anchor is pre-formed in the substrate. 
     
     
         15 . A prefabricated modular building unit assembly, the assembly comprising:
 a prefabricated modular building unit;   a substrate operable to receive and support at least a portion of the prefabricated modular building;   wherein a lower surface of the prefabricated modular building unit comprises at least one of a hold down and an aperture; and   an anchor member extending through the lower surface of the prefabricated modular building unit and the substrate, and wherein a portion of the anchor member is accessible from beneath the substrate.   
     
     
         16 . The prefabricated modular building unit assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the prefabricated modular building unit comprises a prefabricated bathroom. 
     
     
         17 . The prefabricated modular building unit assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the prefabricated modular building unit comprises a substantially rectilinear cube and wherein an anchor member is provided in a plurality of corners of the prefabricated modular building unit. 
     
     
         18 . The prefabricated modular building unit assembly of  claim 15 , further comprising an anchor brace. 
     
     
         19 . The prefabricated modular building unit assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the assembly comprises at least one fire-rated wall panel adjacent the prefabricated modular building unit. 
     
     
         20 . The prefabricated modular building unit assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the anchor is accessible from within the prefabricated modular building unit and from below the substrate.