Planning and coordination of modular construction

Despite the advances of modular construction, the comprehensive understanding of its technical aspects in buildings is still limited, especially during the implementation process. This paper reviews the technical aspects of planning and coordination of modular construction in the building industry. The unclear onsite and practical knowledge need to be clarified for the implementation process. It then leads to the questions on the status of research development and gaps of the technical aspects. One hundred and thirty papers were filtered and analyzed through a systematic review. Four technical aspects of modular construction were found, namely (a) feasibility aspects of modular construction, (b) types of construction or materials, (c) design and structural analyses, and (d) construction planning. The findings render insightful references for the successful delivery of modular construction including its lifecycle analysis and sustainability needs. A research framework is also developed to highlight the gaps and measures for future practice. •Technical developments of modular construction are reviewed.•Four technical aspects of its overall planning and coordination are found.•The gaps and their proposed measures are articulated in a research framework.