1. CEO, CTO, Chairman of the Board, Co-Founder, ConXtech, Inc.
Chassis Based Modular
Robert J. Simmons
CEO, CTO, Chairman of the Board, Co-Founder, ConXtech, Inc.

2. Chassis Based Modular Leveraging Manufacturing Technologies in Construction AIACC Now Next Future Conference 2012
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

3. Construction: Decades of Decline in Productivity
“The productivity of the construction industry, as measured by constant contract dollars of new construction work per hourly work hour, has gradually declined… over the past 40 years.”
Source: Paul Teicholz, Ph.D. Professor (Research) Emeritus, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

4. Barriers to Systemic Innovation: The “Swarm”
The “Swarm”: A technically and socially complex assembly of diverse, non-aligned
enterprises that self organize around each individual project and never repeat
Stratification and Fragmentation
No single enterprise
No Master Builder
No alignment of interests
Micro specialization
Commoditization of Specialties
Discourages cross discipline innovation
Micro vs. macro optimization
No BETA Forum
Automotive – Racetrack
Aerospace – Military
Marine – Sea Trials
Software – BETA Release
Construction - ?
Data rich anatomically correct Digital Chassis helps organize the “Swarm”
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5. Organize the “Swarm” around a Digital Chassis
What can a data rich Digital Chassis do for various stakeholders?
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6. Henry Ford’s Chassis Based Model T Revolution
Craft based horseless carriage to automotive industry
Affordable, high quality autos for the masses
1909 – M automobiles all based on the same “Chassis”
19 yrs. & 9+ different models
Predictable Chassis enabled development of 80+ other modular sub-systems.
1913 “Moving Assembly Line” reduces Chassis build time from 14 hrs./car to 1.5 hrs.
This is due to increasing efficiencies of assembly line and volume, as well as vertical integration of the sub-assemblies from third parties required to build automobiles.
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7. - Magnus Aspegren, BMW Group, DesignWorks USA
Why Chassis Based Modular?
“If automobiles were built today using the same principals
and systems the construction industry uses
every car would cost no less than a million dollars”
- Magnus Aspegren, BMW Group, DesignWorks USA
Nearly every structure built
today can be compared to
building a custom car – from
scratch – in a parking lot
Must move beyond treating
every structure as a one-off
prototype?
Need to modularize connectivity
of multiple system & assemblies
that make up a building
That needs to start with a
predictable modular chassis
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

8. Organization of the Swarm around a Digital Chassis
Rapid and early creation of data-rich Digital Chassis
Provides a 3D forum for all stakeholders to organize and apply their individual discipline specific expertise and harnesses the value of mass collaboration.
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

9. MODULAR AT A POINT From Wireframe to Parametric Digital Chassis
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

10. Chassis System Made up of Modular Assemblies
A Finite number of precise, factory manufactured connectors can produce wide range of mass customizable assemblies Building assemblies can be configured to produce a modular chassis that supports other systems in a predicable way
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

11. Lower & Locking Connector Technology
ConXR™ for Short-Span Applications (Spans 12’ to 20’+)
ConXL™ for Long-Span Applications (Spans 18’ to 65’+)
ConXR
ConXL
ConX Special Moment Frame “Collars”:
Engage the required floor/roof framing element w/ the required vertical support members, creating a lateral system without additional steel weight. Fully Rigid Nodal connectors free the structure from brace bays or shear walls - creating ultimate architectural freedom and program flexibility.
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved. 11

12. High-Density Residential
Two Connections - Multiple Applications
Industrial / Energy
Educational
Pipe Rack (2-3 level, ConXR)
Portable Tower (SqFt: 10K, ConXL)
Stanford Law School (SqFt: 87K, ConXL)
Military / Government
Data Center
Navy Lodge (SqFt: 152K, ConXR)
Moffett Field (SqFt: 178K, ConXL)
CoreSite DC (SqFt: 101K, ConXL)
High-Density Residential
Healthcare
The Arpeggio (SqFt: 188K, ConXR)
The Crossing (SqFt: 525K, ConXR)
Kaiser Permanente (SqFt: 65K, ConXL) 12 12

13. Predictable Chassis Enables Further Modularization
Plug & Play Systems & Assemblies
Pre-Cut Decking
Exterior Cladding
Pre-assembled stairs
Modular pre-assembled balconies
Pods
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14. Inter System Connectivity
Predictable system interfaces create opportunity for added value
Modular Formwork
Pre-assembled Bolt Cassettes
Predictable Schedule
Predictable Quality
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15. Repeatable Work / Knowledge Carry Forward
Error proof the process
Go/no-go fixturing produces
accurate assemblies
No custom layout or fit-up
eliminates “super specialists”
All welding conducted in
optimal position ensuring
highest quality
Quality derived from process
vs. craftsmanship
Enables “in-process”
inspection
Eliminates rework (zero-
punch list)
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16. Leverage Existing Manufacturing Technologies
Automation: CAD/CAM, CNC Machining, Robotics
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17. Digital Chassis / Intuitive Assembly
Specifies location and orientation (which end goes where).
Simplifies operations in the field
Accelerates field assembly
De-couples critical paths
Eliminates opportunities for error
Physical chassis precisely matches digital chassis
Predictable delivery
Visual quality control
Eliminates re-work (zero punch-list)
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18. Structural System: Full Scale Erector Set
Mass customizable and configurable assemblies
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19. Precision Components from Multiple Sources
Standard fixturing enables column & beam assemblies to be manufactured at separate facilities and meet precise system fit-up tolerances
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

20. Modular Chassis: A Framework for Building Intelligently
Building knowledge has expanded exponentially and is decentralized
Knowledge held across many minds & many enterprises
Need to apply specialized knowledge in organized fashion
Combine Ideas that are currently thought to be unrelated
Create collective Intelligence through mass-collaboration
Empower stakeholders with accurate real-time knowledge
Develop & maintain intersystem connectivity starting at concept design
Enable knowledge carry forward and reuse as much earlier work as possible
Leverage technology
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.

21. Today, Tomorrow & the Future
Copyright©2012 ConXtech, Inc. All rights reserved.