Determining near-optimal modularization solutions considering manufacturing operations in modular construction

Abstract: Modular construction has great potential to address persistent problems in the construction industry, such as lack of labor and resources. In the implementation of modular construction, modularization is a crucial task that overwhelms designers. Different modular solutions influence manufacturing operations significantly, yet this has rarely been studied in the past. This paper proposed an optimization model considering the operations of manufacturing and set-up changes. A modified genetic algorithm was devised to solve the model. Its effectiveness and efficiency were demonstrated in a case study. This study contributes to the knowledge body by untangling the effects of modularity on manufacturing operations.