Optimizing the planning of modular construction projects

Almashaqbeh, Mohammad

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109567 Copy

Description

Title

Optimizing the planning of modular construction projects

Author(s)

Almashaqbeh, Mohammad

Issue Date

2020-10-20

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

El-Rayes, Khaled

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

El-Rayes, Khaled

Committee Member(s)

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

Department of Study

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Discipline

Civil Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

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

Abstract

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.

Graduation Semester

2020-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

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

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Mohammad Almashaqbeh

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