Optimizing the planning of modular construction projects

Modular construction provides many advantages including shorter project completion time, lower construction cost, improved productivity, and enhanced quality. The main goal of this research study is to develop novel models for optimizing the planning of modular construction projects. To accomplish this goal, the research objectives of this study are to develop for modular construction projects: (1) novel floor plan modularization model for optimizing the selection of width and length for each prefabricated module in the project; (2) innovative optimization model for selecting an optimal finishing level for each prefabricated module to minimize the total costs of offsite fabrication, module transportation, and onsite assembly; (3) novel transportation optimization model to identify for each module its optimal truck assignment, delivery day, location, and orientation on the assigned truck in order to minimize transportation and storage costs; and (4) automated multi-objective optimization model that is capable of generating and analyzing optimal tradeoffs between minimizing modular construction cost and maximizing floor plan functional performance. The performance of the four developed optimization models was analyzed using case studies of modular construction buildings. The results of these analyses highlighted the original contributions of the developed models in optimizing modular construction decisions that focus on floor plan modularization, module finishing level, and module transportation. The results also illustrate the novel capabilities of the developed models in generating optimal tradeoffs between minimizing modular construction cost and maximizing floor plan functional performance. These original contributions and novel capabilities of the developed models are expected to have a significant impact on improving the cost effectiveness and functional performance of modular construction projects.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Almashaqbeh, Mohammad

Contributors dc:contributor

• El-Rayes, Khaled
• Liu, Liang
• El-Gohary, Nora
• Golparvar-Fard, Mani
• Meidani, Hadi

• Modular construction
• Automated multi-objective optimization
• Modularization
• Module finishing level
• Module transportation
• Modular construction cost

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2020 Mohammad Almashaqbeh

Language dc:language

eng

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109567

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/109567