Near optimum selection of module configuration for efficient modular construction

Modular construction gained considerable momentum over the last decade due to its positive impact on project cost, schedule, quality, and safety. Current literature in this field focused on cranes selection and scheduling methods, without due consideration for optimum module configuration. This paper introduces a novel modular suitability indicator which utilizes five indices; 1) connections index (CI) to evaluate module connections using the matrix clustering technique, 2) transportation dimensions index (TDI) to evaluate module dimensions' effects on transportation, 3) transportation shipping distance index (TSDI) to evaluate the distance between manufacturing facility and the construction site, 4) crane cost penalty index (CCPI) to evaluate the crane cost relevant to the module placing rate, and 5) concrete volume index (CVI) to evaluate the project's foundation concrete quantities. Calculating the modular suitability index (MSI) provides a unified indicator to accomplish a near optimum selection of module configuration for efficient delivery in residential construction. •A new systematic tool for near optimum module selection is presented.•Modular Suitability Index (MSI) is introduced to assess and rank the suitability of alternative module design configuration.•MSI includes the effect of five developed indices.•The developed indices are; (CI), (TDI), (TSDI), (CCPI), and (CVI).•Reducing number of module connections is cost efficient.