Apparatus, systems and methods for modular construction

Abstract

Methods of modular building construction are provided. One method includes (a) providing a first volumetric construction module comprising a frame, the frame including a first segment; (b) defining a volume of a composite segment and integrating the first segment with the volume; and (c) filling the volume with a curable material to cast the composite segment. Related methods, components, buildings incorporating such components, and methods of manufacture of components are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of modular building construction comprising:
 (a) providing a first volumetric construction module comprising a frame, the frame comprising a first segment;   (b) defining a volume of a composite segment and integrating the first segment with the volume; and   (c) filling the volume with a curable material to cast the composite segment.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  further comprising prior to step (b), step (a)(i) comprising providing a structure adjacent the first volumetric construction module, the adjacent structure comprising a second segment, and wherein step (b) comprising integrating the first segment and the second segment with the volume. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein in step (b) the volume contains at least a portion of the first and second segments. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein step (b) comprises defining a boundary of the volume with temporary formwork. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein step (b) comprises defining at least a portion of the boundary of the volume with the first and second segments. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to any one of  claims 2  to  5 , wherein the adjacent structure comprises a second volumetric construction module comprising a frame including the second segment. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6 , comprising prior to step (b), step (a)(ii) comprising augmenting structural capacity of the composite segment. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein step (a)(ii) comprises coupling the first segment and/or the second segment to a plurality of shear connectors extending into the volume. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein step (a)(ii) further comprises coupling a column reinforcement member to the plurality of shear connectors. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein step (a)(ii) comprises providing a column closure member opposite to the first segment and/or the second segment, the column closure member defining a portion of the boundary of the volume. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the column closure member is coupled to a plurality of shear connectors extending into the volume. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 7  wherein step (a)(ii) comprises providing a plurality of first and second reinforcement elements, the first and second reinforcement elements extending in transverse planes with respect to each other. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the first reinforcement elements comprise rebar rods and the second reinforcement elements comprise rebar stirrups. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein step (a)(ii) further comprises providing a plurality of first and second reinforcement elements, wherein the second reinforcement elements engage the shear connectors. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein the first reinforcement elements comprise rebar rods and the second reinforcement elements comprise rebar stirrups. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  15  wherein each of the first and second volumetric construction modules has an opening defined in its side that faces the other module, and wherein the volume comprises a space between the modules adjacent the openings. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  16  wherein the volume comprises a space between adjacent corners of the frame of the at least one of the first and second volumetric construction modules. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  16  wherein the volume comprises a space adjacent an edge of the frame of at least one of the first and second volumetric construction modules. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  18  wherein the first and second volumetric construction modules are provided in laterally adjacent relation. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  wherein providing the first and second volumetric construction modules in laterally adjacent relation comprises providing the modules such that a side of one module is adjacent a side of the other module, or such that an end of one module is adjacent a side of the other module, or such that an end of one module is adjacent an end of the other module. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  20  wherein the frame of each of the first and second volumetric construction module comprises a plurality of vertical posts, wherein the volume comprises a space between opposed posts of the modules. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  20  wherein the frame of each of the first and second volumetric construction module comprises a horizontal rail, wherein the volume comprises a space between opposed rails of the modules. 
     
     
         23 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  20  wherein each of the first and second volumetric construction module comprises a panel section fastened to the frame, wherein the volume comprises a space between opposed panel sections of the modules. 
     
     
         24 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  20  comprising bridging adjacent upper portions of the frames with a structural member to provide a bottom boundary of a slab volume. 
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein the structural member comprises one or more upwardly extending shear connectors. 
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 25  wherein the shear connectors extend past the top of the frames. 
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 24  wherein a plurality of rebar rods and rebar stirrups are provided in the slab volume. 
     
     
         28 . A method according to any one of  claims 24  to  27  wherein the structural member comprises a hot or cold rolled steel section. 
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claims 6  to  28  wherein a boundary of the slab volume is partially defined by a spacer installed above the first volumetric construction module and/or the second volumetric construction module. 
     
     
         30 . A method according to  claim 29  wherein at least the top corners of the frame of each of the first and second volumetric construction modules comprise corner fittings having upper orifices, wherein the spacer comprises at least one downward projection, and wherein installing the at least one spacer comprises mating the at least one downward projection with one of the upper orifices. 
     
     
         31 . A method according to any one of  claims 24  to  30  comprising introducing a curable material to the slab volume. 
     
     
         32 . A method according to any one of  29  to  31  comprising providing an upper volumetric construction module above each of the first and second volumetric construction modules, each of the upper volumetric construction modules comprising a frame. 
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 32  wherein at least bottom corners of the frame of each upper module comprise corner fittings having lower orifices, wherein the spacer comprises at least one upward projection, and wherein providing the upper volumetric modules above the volumetric construction modules comprises mating the at least one upward projection with one of the lower orifices. 
     
     
         34 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  33  wherein each of the frames of the first and second volumetric construction modules comprises a rectangular parallelpiped frame. 
     
     
         35 . A method according to  claim 34  wherein the rectangular parallelpiped frame comprises at least a part of a frame of an intermodal shipping container. 
     
     
         36 . A method according to any one of  claims 6  to  35  wherein the curable material comprises concrete. 
     
     
         37 . A method of modular building construction comprising:
 (a) providing first and second volumetric construction modules in lateral relation, each module comprising a frame, the frame comprising a first segment;   (b) providing a panel expansion member spanning opposing top rails of the frames and a floor frame between opposing bottom rails of the frame, the space between the panel expansion member and the floor frame defining an expansion space, wherein at least one of the panel expansion member and the floor frame comprise a second segment;   (c) defining a volume of a composite segment, the volume integrating the first segment and the second segment; and   (d) filling the volume with a curable material to cast the composite segment.   
     
     
         38 . A method according to  claim 37 , wherein in step (c) the volume contains at least a portion of the first and second segments. 
     
     
         39 . A method according to  claim 38 , wherein step (c) comprises defining a boundary of the volume with temporary formwork. 
     
     
         40 . A method according to  claim 37 , wherein in step (c) comprises defining at least a portion of the boundary of the volume with the first and second segments. 
     
     
         41 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  40 , comprising prior to step (d) a step (c)(i) comprising augmenting the structural capacity of the composite segment. 
     
     
         42 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein step (c)(i) comprises coupling the first segment and/or the second segment to a plurality of shear connectors extending into the volume. 
     
     
         43 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein step (c)(i) comprises providing a plurality of first and second reinforcement elements, the first and second reinforcement elements extending in transverse planes with respect to each other. 
     
     
         44 . A method according to  claim 43 , wherein the first reinforcement elements comprise rebar rods and the second reinforcement elements comprise rebar stirrups. 
     
     
         45 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  44  wherein each volumetric construction module has an opening defined in its side that faces the expansion space, and wherein the volumes comprises a space between the modules and the expansion space adjacent the openings. 
     
     
         46 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  44  wherein the volume comprises a space between adjacent corners of the frame of the at least one of the first and second volumetric construction modules. 
     
     
         47 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  46  wherein the volume comprises a space adjacent an edge of the frame of at least one of the first and second volumetric construction modules. 
     
     
         48 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  46  wherein a side of the first volumetric construction module is aligned with the side of the second volumetric construction module, with the expansion space located therebetween. 
     
     
         49 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  46  wherein a side of the first volumetric construction module is aligned with an end of the second volumetric construction module, with the expansion space located therebetween. 
     
     
         50 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  46  wherein an end of the first volumetric construction module is aligned with an end of the second volumetric construction module, with the expansion space located therebetween. 
     
     
         51 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  50  wherein the panel expansion member partially defines a bottom boundary of a slab volume above the modules and the expansion space. 
     
     
         52 . A method according to  claim 51  wherein the panel expansion member comprises a structural member at two side regions of the panel expansion member wherein spanning opposing top rails comprises resting at least a portion of the structural member on the top rails or on opposing sides of the modules 
     
     
         53 . A method according to  claim 52  wherein the structural member comprises a hot or cold rolled steel section. 
     
     
         54 . A method according to  claim 52  or  53  wherein the structural member is provided with upwardly projecting shear connectors. 
     
     
         55 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  54  wherein each of the frames of the first and second volumetric construction modules comprises a rectangular parallelpiped frame. 
     
     
         56 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the rectangular parallelpiped frame comprises at least a part of a frame of an intermodal shipping container. 
     
     
         57 . A method according to  claims 37  to  56  wherein the panel expansion member comprises at least a part of a panel of an intermodal shipping container. 
     
     
         58 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  57  wherein the floor frame comprises at least a part of a floor frame of an intermodal shipping container. 
     
     
         59 . A method according to any one of  claims 37  to  58  wherein the curable material comprises concrete. 
     
     
         60 . A method of modular building construction comprising:
 (a) providing a first volumetric construction module comprising a frame, the frame comprising a first segment;   (b) providing a partially constructed building comprising a frame comprising a second segment;   (c) defining a volume of a composite segment, the volume integrating the first segment and the second segment; and   (d) filling the volume with a curable material to cast the composite segment.   
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 60 , wherein in step (c) the volume contains at least a portion of the first and second segments. 
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 61 , wherein step (c) comprises defining a boundary of the volume with temporary formwork. 
     
     
         63 . A method according to  claim 60 , wherein step (c) comprises defining at least a portion of the boundary of the volume with the first and second segments. 
     
     
         64 . A method according to any one of  claims 60  to  63 , comprising prior to step (d) a step (c)(i) comprising augmenting the structural capacity of the composite segment. 
     
     
         65 . A method according to  claim 64 , wherein step (c)(i) comprises coupling the first segment and/or the second segment to a plurality of shear connectors extending into the volume. 
     
     
         66 . A method according to  claim 64  wherein step (c)(i) further comprises providing a plurality of first and second reinforcement elements, the first and second reinforcement elements extending in transverse planes with respect to each other. 
     
     
         67 . A method according to  claim 66 , wherein the first reinforcement elements comprise rebar rods and the second reinforcement elements comprise rebar stirrups. 
     
     
         68 . A modular building diaphragm comprising:
 roof panels of first and second volumetric construction modules in laterally adjacent relation;   floor frames of third and fourth volumetric construction modules in laterally adjacent relation, the third and fourth modules above the first and second modules, respectively;   a beam soffit member connected between upper portions of the first and second modules and having one or more shear connectors extending upwardly between the third and fourth modules; and   a continuous body of concrete in contact with at least a portion of each of the roof panels of the first and second modules, the laterally adjacent portions of the third and fourth modules, and the beam soffit member, the concrete bonded in composite action with the one or more shear connectors of the beam soffit member.   
     
     
         69 . A modular building diaphragm comprising:
 roof panels of first and second volumetric construction modules in laterally adjacent relation;   floor frames of third and fourth volumetric construction modules in laterally adjacent relation, the third and fourth modules above the first and second modules and, respectively, bottom rails of the third and fourth modules rigidly connected by at least one shear connector;   a structural member connected between upper portions of the first and second modules; and   at least one first reinforcing element extending in a direction parallel to a long axis of the bottom rails;   a plurality of second reinforcing elements oriented in a plane transverse to the long axis of the bottom rails, each of the second reinforcing elements coupling the at least one shear connector to the at least one first reinforcing element; and   a continuous body of concrete in contact with at least a portion of each of the roof panels of the first and second modules, the laterally adjacent portions of the third and fourth modules, the at least one first reinforcing element, the plurality of second reinforcing elements, and the structural member, the concrete bonded in composite action with the one or more shear connectors of the beam soffit member.   
     
     
         70 . A column in a modular building, the column comprising:
 a first panel section of a first volumetric construction module;   a second panel section of a second volumetric construction module, the second panel section parallel to and spaced apart from the first panel section;   at least one shear connector extending into a volume between the first panel section and the second panel section and attached to at least one of the first panel section and the second panel section;   at least one column closure member closing lateral sides of the volume between the first panel section and the second panel section; and   concrete in the volume bonded in composite action with the at least one shear connector.   
     
     
         71 . The column of  claim 70  wherein the first module has an opening defined in part by an inward edge of the first panel section, wherein the second module has an opening defined in part by an inward edge of the second panel section, and wherein the at least one column closure member borders the openings in the first and second modules. 
     
     
         72 . The column of  claim 71  comprising at least one shear connector attached to the at least more column closure member, wherein the concrete is bonded in composite action with the at least one shear connector attached to the at least one column closure member. 
     
     
         73 . A column in a modular building, the column comprising:
 a first corner post section of a first volumetric construction module;   a first vertically extending reinforcement member;   a first plurality of shear connectors rigidly connecting the first corner post section to the first vertically extending reinforcement member;   a volume defined by temporary formwork, the volume surrounding and including the first corner post section, the first vertically extending reinforcement member, and the first plurality of shear connectors; and   concrete in the volume encasing and bonding in composite action the first corner post section, the first vertically extending reinforcement member, and the first plurality of shear connectors.   
     
     
         74 . The column of  claim 73  further comprising:
 a second corner post section of a second volumetric construction module adjacent the first corner post section; 
 a second vertically extending reinforcement member; 
 a second plurality of shear connectors rigidly connecting the second corner post section to the second vertically extending reinforcement member; 
 wherein the volume additionally surrounds and includes the second corner post section, the second vertically extending reinforcement member, and the second plurality of shear connectors; and 
 wherein the concrete in the volume additionally encases and bonds in composite action the second corner post section, the second vertically extending reinforcement member, and the second plurality of shear connectors. 
 
     
     
         75 . A column in a modular building, the column comprising:
 a first corner post section of a first volumetric construction module;   a second corner post section of a second volumetric construction module adjacent the first corner post section;   a first plurality of shear connectors rigidly connecting the first corner post section to the second corner post section;   a volume defined by temporary formwork, the volume surrounding and including the first corner post section, the second corner post section, and the first plurality of shear connectors; and   concrete in the volume encasing and bonding in composite action the first corner post section, the second corner post section, and the first plurality of shear connectors.   
     
     
         76 . The column of  claim 75 , further comprising
 a third corner post section of a third volumetric construction module adjacent the first or second corner post section;   a fourth corner post section of a forth volumetric construction module adjacent the third corner post section;   a second plurality of shear connectors rigidly connecting the third corner post section to the fourth corner post section;   wherein the volume additionally surrounds and includes the third corner post section, the fourth corner post section, and the second plurality of shear connectors; and   wherein the concrete in the volume additionally encases and bonds in composite action the third corner post section, the fourth corner post section, and the second plurality of shear connectors.   
     
     
         77 . A column in a modular building, the column comprising:
 a first corner post section of a first volumetric construction module;   at least one first reinforcing element extending in a direction parallel to a long axis of the first corner post section;   at plurality of second reinforcing elements oriented in a plane transverse to the long axis of the first corner post section, each of the second reinforcing elements surrounding both the first corner post section and the at least one first reinforcing element;   a volume defined by temporary formwork, the volume surrounding and including the first corner post section, the at least one first reinforcing element and the plurality of second reinforcing elements; and   concrete in the volume encasing and bonding in composite action the first corner post section, the at least one first reinforcing element and the plurality of second reinforcing elements.   
     
     
         78 . A column according to  claim 77 , comprising a second corner post section adjacent the first corner post section, wherein each of the second reinforcing elements surround the second corner post section, wherein the volume surrounds and includes the second corner post section, and wherein the concrete in the volume encases and bonds in composite action the first corner post section, the second corner post section, the at least one first reinforcing element and the plurality of second reinforcing elements. 
     
     
         79 . A column according to  claim 77  or  78 , wherein the at least one first reinforcing element comprises a rebar rod, and the plurality of second reinforcing elements comprise rebar stirrups. 
     
     
         80 . A beam in a modular building, the beam comprising:
 a first horizontal rail of a first volumetric construction module;   a second horizontal rail of a second volumetric construction module, the second horizontal rail parallel to and spaced apart from the first rail;   at least one shear connector extending into a volume between the first rail and the second rail and attached to at least one of the first rail and the second rail;   a beam soffit member below the first rail and the second rail, the beam soffit member having one or more shear connectors extending into the volume between the first rail and the second rail; and   concrete in the volume between the first rail and the second rail, the concrete bonded in composite action with the at least one shear connector attached to at least one of the first rail and the second rail and with the one or more shear connectors of the beam soffit member.   
     
     
         81 . The beam of  claim 80  wherein the first module has an opening defined above the first rail, wherein the second module has an opening defined above the second rail, and wherein an upper face of the concrete borders the openings in the first and second modules. 
     
     
         82 . A beam in a modular building, the beam comprising:
 a first horizontal rail of a first volumetric construction module;   a second horizontal rail of a second volumetric construction module, the second horizontal rail parallel to and spaced apart from the first rail;   at least one shear connector extending between the first rail and the second rail and attached to at least one of the first rail and the second rail;   at least one first reinforcing element extending in a direction parallel to a long axis of the first and second horizontal rail;   at plurality of second reinforcing elements oriented in a plane transverse to the long axis of the first and second horizontal rail, each of the second reinforcing elements coupling the at least one shear connector to the at least one first reinforcing element; and   a structural member below the first rail, the second rail, the at least one first reinforcing element, and the plurality of second reinforcing elements; and   concrete in a volume defined between the first rail and the second rail, the concrete bonded in composite action with the at least one shear connector, the at least one first reinforcing element, and the plurality of second reinforcing elements.   
     
     
         83 . A column according to  claim 82 , wherein the structural member comprises a hot or cold rolled steel section. 
     
     
         84 . A column according to  claim 82  or  83 , wherein the plurality of second reinforcing elements are substantially U-shaped, wherein end regions of the U-shape engage the at least one shear connector, and a middle region of the U-shape engages the at least one first reinforcing element. 
     
     
         85 . A column according to any one of  claims 82  to  84 , wherein the at least one first reinforcing element comprises a rebar rod, and the plurality of second reinforcing elements comprise rebar stirrups. 
     
     
         86 . A shear wall in a modular building, the shear wall comprising:
 a shear wall panel;   at least a portion of one end or side of a volumetric construction module;   at least one connector rigidly fixed to and extending between the shear wall panel and the portion of the one end or side;   concrete in a volume defined between the shear wall panel and the portion of the one end or side.   
     
     
         87 . A shear wall according to  claim 86  wherein the shear wall panel comprises repurposed intermodal shipping container wall material. 
     
     
         88 . A volumetric construction module comprising:
 a frame having opposed ends and opposed sides extending between the ends; and   one or more shear connectors projecting outwardly from the frame.   
     
     
         89 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 88  wherein the frame comprises at least part of a rectangular parallelepiped frame of an intermodal shipping container. 
     
     
         90 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 88  or  89  wherein the one or more shear connectors extend between adjacent corners of the frame. 
     
     
         91 . A volumetric construction module according to any one of  claims 88  to  90  wherein the one or more shear connectors comprises an array of stud-type shear connectors. 
     
     
         92 . A volumetric construction module according to any one of  claims 88  to  91  wherein the one or more shear connectors comprises at least one strip-type shear connector. 
     
     
         93 . A volumetric construction module according to any one of  claims 88  to  92  wherein the one or more shear connectors is located adjacent an edge of the frame. 
     
     
         94 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 93  wherein the edge comprises an edge between one of the ends of the frame and one of the sides of the frame. 
     
     
         95 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 93  or  94  wherein the frame comprises a plurality of vertical posts, and wherein at least one of the one or more shear connectors is attached to one of the posts. 
     
     
         96 . A volumetric construction module according to any one of  claims 93  to  95  comprising a panel section coupled to the frame, and wherein at least one of the one or more shear connectors is attached to the panel section. 
     
     
         97 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 93  wherein the edge comprises an edge between a bottom of the frame and one of the sides of the frame. 
     
     
         98 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 93  wherein the edge is located along the top of one of the ends. 
     
     
         99 . A volumetric construction module according to  claim 97  or  98  wherein the frame comprises a horizontal rail, and wherein at least one of the one or more shear connectors is attached the rail. 
     
     
         100 . A volumetric construction module according to any one of  claims 88  to  99  wherein the frame has an opening in one of its sides, and wherein at least one of the shear connectors extends along an edge of the opening. 
     
     
         101 . A method for making a volumetric construction module, the method comprising:
 providing an intermodal shipping container;   installing one or more shear connectors on the outside of the container.   
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 101  comprising removing a portion of a side panel of the container to define an opening in a side of the container. 
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102  comprising detachably fastening the removed portion of the side panel to the container. 
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 102  or  103  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises:
 attaching the one or more shear connectors to the removed portion of the side panel; and 
 laminating the removed portion of the side panel to a remaining portion of the side panel of the container. 
 
     
     
         105 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  104  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises installing one or more shear connectors between adjacent corners of the container. 
     
     
         106 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  105  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises installing an array of stud-type shear connectors. 
     
     
         107 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  106  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises installing at least one strip-type shear connector. 
     
     
         108 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  107  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises installing the one or more shear connectors adjacent to an edge of the container. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 108  wherein the edge comprises an edge between an end of the container and a side of the container. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 109  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises attaching at least one of the one or more shear connectors to a post of the container. 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 109  or  110  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises attaching at least one of the one or more shear connectors to a panel of the container. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111  wherein the edge comprises an edge between a bottom of the container and a side of the container. 
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 111  wherein the edge comprises an edge between a top of the container and an end of the container. 
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 112  or  113  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises attaching at least one of the one or more shear connectors to a horizontal rail of the container. 
     
     
         115 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  114  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises welding at least one of the one or more shear connectors to the container. 
     
     
         116 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  115  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises adhesively bonding at least one of the one or more shear connectors to the container. 
     
     
         117 . The method of any one of  claims 101  to  116  wherein installing the one or more shear connectors comprises mechanically coupling at least one of the one or more shear connectors to the container. 
     
     
         118 . A building comprising:
 two volumetric construction modules in adjacent relation, each module comprising:
 a frame having opposed ends and opposed sides extending between the ends, and 
 one or more first shear connectors coupled to the frame and extending toward the other module; 
   at least one first closure member closing lateral sides of a first volume between the modules that includes the one or more first shear connectors; and   concrete occupying the first volume.   
     
     
         119 . The building of  claim 118  wherein each module has an opening defined in its side that faces the other module, and wherein the first volume is adjacent the openings. 
     
     
         120 . The building of  claim 119  wherein each of the modules comprises one or more second shear connectors, and wherein the building comprises:
 at least one second first closure member closing lateral sides of a second volume between the modules that includes the one or more second shear connectors; and 
 concrete occupying the second volume, 
 wherein the second volume is spaced apart from the first volume and adjacent the openings in the modules. 
 
     
     
         121 . The building of  claim 118  wherein the frame of each module comprises at least part of a rectangular parallelpiped frame of an intermodal shipping container. 
     
     
         122 . A building comprising:
 a first volumetric construction module comprising a frame, the frame comprising a first segment;   a volume of a composite segment, the volume integrating the first segment; and   concrete occupying the volume.   
     
     
         123 . A building according to  claim 122 , comprising a structure adjacent the first volumetric construction module, the adjacent structure comprising a second segment, wherein the volume integrates the first segment and the second segment. 
     
     
         124 . A building according to  claim 122 , wherein the adjacent structure comprises a second volumetric construction module. 
     
     
         125 . A building according to  claim 122 , wherein the adjacent structure comprises an expansion space. 
     
     
         126 . A building according to  claim 122 , wherein the adjacent structure comprises a partially constructed building. 
     
     
         127 . A building according to any one of  claims 123  to  126 , wherein the volume contains at least a portion of the first and second segments, wherein boundaries of the volume are formed by temporary formwork. 
     
     
         128 . A building according to any one of  claims 123  to  127  further comprising a base isolation system. 
     
     
         129 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein the adjacent structure comprises a second volumetric construction module comprising a frame including the second segment. 
     
     
         130 . A method according to  claim 129  wherein the adjacent structure comprises a second volumetric construction module comprising a frame including the second segment. 
     
     
         131 . A method according to any one of  claims 1 - 4 ,  129  and  130  wherein the curable material comprises a high strength curable material. 
     
     
         132 . A method according to  claim 131  wherein the curable material comprises carbon fibre reinforced polymer or high strength concrete. 
     
     
         133 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein step (a)(ii) comprises coupling the first segment and the second segment by wrapping the segments with fibre reinforced polymer wrap.