# Integration of Building Services in Modular Construction: A PRISMA Approach
## 3 Results
### Systematic Analysis of Integration of Building Services in Modular Construction
#### 3.2.2 Building Services Integration within Modular Construction
The study also addressed quality assurance, commercial arrangements, technological assistance, numerous supply agreements, and design coordination as barriers to off-site prefabrication. The study also suggested enhancing builder-supplier collaboration and off-site prefabricated component design and delivery. Similarly, [PERSON] et al. [52] proposed a computational method to determine the optimal modularity of residential MEP systems in remote settlements like Nunavik, northern Quebec, Canada. The framework considers system installation cost, local employment creation, module characteristics (dimensions, direction changes, etc.) on modularization, collision limits during assembly, and remote communities. Configurations were evaluated using fuzzy logic models and the NSGA-II algorithm to find non-dominated solutions. After applying the framework to a heat transfer fluid distribution system in a typical Nunavik housing unit, installation costs drop by 81.9%, and local job creation rises by 23.4 local work hours. Relatedly, [PERSON] et al. [47] designed a cost-effective prefabricated MEP rack (PMR) structural framework. PMR multi-trade prefabrication unifies MEP elements into one unit. The project pilot tested five PMR structural framing methods to determine their channel material and labor requirements. Types vary by supporting intervals, duct placements, and upper frame. The study adjusted the supporting interval, moved the duct outside, and removed the upper framing to test PMR structural frame efficiency. Economic and productivity studies showed that removing the upper framing method worked best when securing the coordination period. Another cost-effective design option was modifying supporting intervals. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [3] recently evaluated experimental and computational methods for quantifying EIFS prefab wall panel thermal performance. The study investigates the idea that both approaches can accurately assess EIFS prefab wall panel thermal performance in different climates and produce similar results. The investigation disproved the theory and revealed significant procedure differences. Experimental test analysis using an environmental chamber showed higher thermal resistance values for EIFS prefab wall panels than THERM software modeling. The difference is 11.5% hot and 22.2% cold. According to the study, the margin of error of the two-dimensional simulation model and experiment sensors caused the discrepancy. The study also showed the financial effects of the disparity on a typical US hospital building prototype. Using EnergyPlus software to simulate the annual energy consumption and cost savings of a Denver, Colorado, hospital building with EIFS prefabricated wall panels as the external wall insulation system, experimental thermal resistance values instead of computational ones can save $396,000 over 20 years due to lower construction costs, HVAC system selection, and utility bills. Figure 9 highlights the current and future directions for integrating building services in modular construction. The most apparent benefits of modular construction, which successfully supports sustainable construction, are better productivity and quality, cost savings, increased safety, improved product control and quality, and less harmful environmental effects [57; 58]. By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies and methodologies (see Figure 9), modular construction can effectively tackle its inherent difficulties and offer a cost advantage across the lifecycle compared to conventional construction techniques. This is particularly noteworthy, considering the post-assembly service costs, which can often exceed the initial construction costs. This study's findings indicate that implementing a well-designed modular building can result in substantial cost reductions in the maintenance and operations of the integrated building services, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.