Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review
Modular construction has the potential to transform the construction industry, as most (80–95%) of the modules, which are considered prefabricated buildings, are manufactured off-site, which is more efficient, safe, cost-effective, sustainable, productive, and faster than traditional construction. I...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/12/2020 |
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| author | Mohammadamin Zohourian Apurva Pamidimukkala Sharareh Kermanshachi Deema Almaskati |
| author_facet | Mohammadamin Zohourian Apurva Pamidimukkala Sharareh Kermanshachi Deema Almaskati |
| author_sort | Mohammadamin Zohourian |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Modular construction has the potential to transform the construction industry, as most (80–95%) of the modules, which are considered prefabricated buildings, are manufactured off-site, which is more efficient, safe, cost-effective, sustainable, productive, and faster than traditional construction. It is not without challenges, however, as it requires detailed and comprehensive planning, high initial costs, and navigating transportation and design constraints. The goal of this study was to identify and categorize the benefits and challenges of modular construction and offer strategies for resolving the challenges. This study also provides a comprehensive review of modular construction methods, including permanent modular construction (PMC), movable modular construction (RMC), volumetric modular construction (VMC), and panelized construction, and examines the connectivity of the modules, as well as the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The results revealed that the most frequently cited benefits of modular construction were reducing construction time by up to 50%, 20% cost savings, and material waste reduction of up to 83%. The most common challenges included transportation complexity, limited design flexibility, and high initial costs. The results of this study will assist project managers, construction professionals, and company owners in evaluating modular construction by providing quantified benefits and challenges, a comparative analysis of different modular methods, and insights into effective mitigation strategies, allowing them to assess its suitability based on project timelines, budgets, design requirements, and logistical constraints. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a70f41789a6841ab9c3c9e5dfa8585e7 |
| institution | Matheson Library |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-a70f41789a6841ab9c3c9e5dfa8585e72025-06-25T13:35:46ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-06-011512202010.3390/buildings15122020Modular Construction: A Comprehensive ReviewMohammadamin Zohourian0Apurva Pamidimukkala1Sharareh Kermanshachi2Deema Almaskati3Department of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USADepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USADepartment of Civil Engineering, Penn State University, Middletown, PA 17057, USADepartment of Civil Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USAModular construction has the potential to transform the construction industry, as most (80–95%) of the modules, which are considered prefabricated buildings, are manufactured off-site, which is more efficient, safe, cost-effective, sustainable, productive, and faster than traditional construction. It is not without challenges, however, as it requires detailed and comprehensive planning, high initial costs, and navigating transportation and design constraints. The goal of this study was to identify and categorize the benefits and challenges of modular construction and offer strategies for resolving the challenges. This study also provides a comprehensive review of modular construction methods, including permanent modular construction (PMC), movable modular construction (RMC), volumetric modular construction (VMC), and panelized construction, and examines the connectivity of the modules, as well as the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The results revealed that the most frequently cited benefits of modular construction were reducing construction time by up to 50%, 20% cost savings, and material waste reduction of up to 83%. The most common challenges included transportation complexity, limited design flexibility, and high initial costs. The results of this study will assist project managers, construction professionals, and company owners in evaluating modular construction by providing quantified benefits and challenges, a comparative analysis of different modular methods, and insights into effective mitigation strategies, allowing them to assess its suitability based on project timelines, budgets, design requirements, and logistical constraints.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/12/2020modular constructionpermanent modular construction (PMC)movable modular construction (RMC)volumetric modular construction (VMC)off-site constructionmodular connection |
| spellingShingle | Mohammadamin Zohourian Apurva Pamidimukkala Sharareh Kermanshachi Deema Almaskati Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review Buildings modular construction permanent modular construction (PMC) movable modular construction (RMC) volumetric modular construction (VMC) off-site construction modular connection |
| title | Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full | Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_fullStr | Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_short | Modular Construction: A Comprehensive Review |
| title_sort | modular construction a comprehensive review |
| topic | modular construction permanent modular construction (PMC) movable modular construction (RMC) volumetric modular construction (VMC) off-site construction modular connection |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/12/2020 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mohammadaminzohourian modularconstructionacomprehensivereview AT apurvapamidimukkala modularconstructionacomprehensivereview AT shararehkermanshachi modularconstructionacomprehensivereview AT deemaalmaskati modularconstructionacomprehensivereview |