Modular and Offsite Construction (MOC) Summit Proceedings
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Activity Sequencing Optimization in Petroleum Projects Using Simulation Modeling
Get PDFProject management benefits from mathematical models that enhance resource allocation, scheduling, and cost efficiency while managing uncertainties. Although optimization is well-studied in construction, its use in sequencing petroleum project activities remains unexplored. This study develops an integrated simulation and optimization model to refine scheduling in refinery upgrades, minimizing project duration and addressing operational complexities. This paper presents a simulation-based optimization model designed to improve scheduling efficiency in a refinery upgrade project, where multiple tasks must be executed concurrently without extending the overall project duration. The model accounts for interdependencies among activities and resource requirements across internal and external work teams, ensuring optimal coordination and utilization. Developed using AnyLogic®, the simulation framework employs a random number generator to systematically explore task sequencing variations, leading to a refined execution strategy. The optimization results indicate a 20% reduction in the project\u27s total duration. While resource utilization was assessed, it was not the model\u27s primary objective. The utilization of resources has shown mixed outcomes; specific resources demonstrated an improvement of nearly 50%, yet the overall average utilization significantly decreased to just 0.12%, falling below the typical baseline of 40% observed in most resources. The model\u27s performance and the optimization outcomes are analyzed, offering a decision-support tool for complex project management scenarios
Navigating Barriers to the Adoption and Scalability of Modular Construction in Ethiopia
Get PDFAs a developing economy, there is an increasing demand for infrastructure in Ethiopia that necessitates faster and more scalable construction solutions. Modular construction (MC) offers a viable alternative to conventional methods, but its adoption is hindered by systemic barriers. This study identifies and analyze key barriers influencing the scalability of MC in Ethiopia. Data has been collected through expert surveys involving 34 participants, including policymakers, manufacturers, academia, and construction professionals. The study applies a fuzzy DEMATEL method to quantify interdependencies among six critical barriers. The findings reveal that policy and government support (BR1) acts as a primary driver, influencing downstream barriers such as supply chain resilience (BR2) and process efficiency (BR5). Conversely, financial constraints and fragmented supply chains emerged as high-impact barriers requiring policy intervention. Based on the findings, the study further proposes a strategic framework advocating for public-private partnerships, workforce upskilling, and digital integration to enhance modular construction scalability. By leveraging Fuzzy-DEMATEL analysis, the study bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, offering actionable insights for policymakers and investors. A limitation of this study is its reliance on a limited pool of expert opinions; however, such studies typically draw insights from five to 20 experts. Further more, this limitation was mitigated through the application of fuzzy logic
Building Planning Capacity in the Offsite Construction Industry: Introducing the Theory of Constraints for Process Optimization
Get PDFOffsite construction (OSC) is a construction method that integrates two different paradigms, construction and manufacturing, and faces different challenges in production variability and demand synchronization. This study explores the application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) as a strategic operation management framework to optimize manufacturing processes in the OSC industry. A five-step approach is presented to enhance production flow and reduce inefficiencies during the manufacturing stages. The study proposes a tailored framework incorporating TOC within the OSC environment, supported by metrics like cycle time and work-in-progress to detect and address bottlenecks. By emphasizing real-time data monitoring and continuous improvement, the framework highlights TOC’s ability to streamline production, reduce waste, and adapt dynamically to changing conditions, making it a critical methodology for improving adaptability, resilience, and scalability in offsite and modular construction
A Rapid Literature Review of Environmental Performance of Offsite Building Construction Industry
Get PDFThe construction industry consumes about 36% of the total energy and releases up to 39% of global CO2. If no appropriate measures are taken, the figure may double in the next two decades. Therefore, the construction sector is considering several measures to mitigate carbon emissions. In this regard, modular and panelized construction, which is collectively called offsite construction (OSC), is steadily gaining momentum. Several studies demonstrate that life cycle assessment (LCA) is a practical tool for evaluating the performance of OSC in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction. Although a reasonable number of previous studies on OSC exist in the context of Canada, only a few apply LCA based on actual case studies. Realizing this fact, a collaborative research team from Concordia University, the University of Alberta, and NRC is undertaking an ongoing research project with the goal of decarbonization of the construction industry through OSC. As a foundation of this large ongoing research project, this study aims to review LCA related studies focusing on actual case studies in the context of OSC
Front Matter, MOC Summit 2025 Proceedings
No full textProceedings of the 2025 Modular and Offsite Construction (MOC) SummitMontreal, Quebec, CanadaJuly 28-31, 2025
Editor(s): Dr. Mohamed Al-Hussein, PhD, University of Alberta
Copyright © University of Alberta Library, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
ISSN 2562-543
Barriers and Potential Solutions to the Adoption of Modular and Offsite Construction: A Review
Get PDFModular and offsite construction (MOC) offer improved efficiency, sustainability, and flexibility in the construction industry compared to traditional methods. However, its widespread adoption remains hindered by various barriers. This paper presents a collaborative study conducted by researchers from Concordia University, the University of Alberta, and the National Research Council Canada (NRC) to identify and address these challenges. A comprehensive review of existing global research was conducted to identify barriers to MOC. These barriers were analyzed and categorized into six key groups: 1) Regulatory, 2) Economic, 3) Technical, 4) Organizational, 5) Workforce, and 6) Environmental. Additionally, recommendations to overcome these barriers are proposed and discussed. The findings from this study will serve as a foundation for a field survey to evaluate the significance of these barriers and assess their real-world impact within the current construction ecosystem. This study contributes to advancing MOC by identifying its barriers and supporting the industry\u27s urgent need to adopt more sustainable and innovative alternatives to traditional construction methods
Comparative Study of YOLO Architectures for Automated Wood Defect Detection
Get PDFThe North American residential construction industry relies on wood as the principal material for structural framing, as well as for kitchen cabinets, decorative trim moldings, and door casings. In this regard, wood quality is a key determinant of structural integrity and aesthetics in construction. Traditional wood defect inspection during construction and furniture manufacture is time-consuming, inconsistent, and error prone. Machine-vision technology could solve these issues and improve wood quality assessment. The use of automated defect detection systems can improve inspection efficiency and accuracy while reducing manual labour. This paper evaluates the performance of four advanced You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detection models: YOLOv5l-seg, YOLOv7-E6E, YOLOv8l, and YOLOv9e for automated wood defect identification. Each variant involves a balance between accuracy and computational efficiency. YOLOv5l-seg supports segmentation, YOLOv7-E6E improves feature extraction, YOLOv8l speeds up inference, and YOLOv9e uses transformer-based components for better detection. Using a dataset of 3,300 annotated images spanning ten defect types, it was found that YOLOv9e achieves the highest precision (90.15%), demonstrating strong potential for real-time wood inspection in construction and manufacturing workflows. The results are discussed in the context of their applicability to off-site construction systems for quality tracking and defect traceability.
 
Decarbonization of Modular Construction and LEED v5 Certification
Get PDFModular and offsite construction (MOC) provides several advantages such as reducing cost and construction time as well as enhancing safety and quality. Decarbonization which is concerned with reducing or eliminating carbon emissions for manufacturing and construction is another advantage of MOC compared to traditional construction. MOC offers a promising approach to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, resource consumption, waste, and energy use. Manufactured prefabricated 2D or 3D modules in controlled manufacturing facilities allow modular construction to optimize material usage and minimize waste while reducing transportation of raw materials to construction sites, which reduces embodied carbon emission. For reducing operational carbon footprints, MOC also can be designed to be highly energy-efficient, while incorporating sustainable technologies and materials. Many studies conducted life cycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the sustainability and decarbonization potential of MOC which are related to the total amount of carbon emissions through different life cycle phases including material production, construction, use of buildings, operation and maintenance, end-of-life stage, demolition and disposal. Green Building Certifications for decarbonized buildings can help in recognizing and assessing construction projects and buildings regarding their energy efficiency and sustainability. Many voluntary programs for certifications of green buildings exist in different countries such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Star program, Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), etc. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on application of LEED certification for MOC. Hence, this study will investigate the practical application of LEED green building rating system for MOC
Interdependence between Factors Influencing the Selection of Project Delivery Systems and Modular Construction
Get PDFThe construction sector is going through a period of learning caused partly by the resurgence of prefabricated construction, particularly modular construction. In addition, this is due to the emergence of collaborative project delivery systems, such as Progressive Design-Build (PDB) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). Numerous studies indicate that these innovations can play a key role in addressing the challenges of the sector and improving project performance. However, the lack of knowledge and skills required hinders their adoption in construction projects. As a result, public owners find themselves in a situation of ambiguity in choosing the construction methods and contractual modes appropriate for their projects. The objective of this research is to identify, verify and evaluate the decision-making factors for the joint choice of the construction method and the delivery mode appropriate for the context of the construction project and aligned with the expectations of public owners. We aim to examine the interdependence between factors influencing the selection of modular construction and those associated with collaborative contractual modes, highlighting common factors as well as criteria specific to each approach. To do this, a systematic literature review is conducted. A list of 28 factors is identified. These factors are divided into five categories: Project characteristics, Owner characteristics, Owner\u27s requirements, Owner\u27s preferences, and External factors. The use of selection factors has the potential to make decisions more objective and to support project owners in managing their uncertainties. However, it is crucial to prioritise these factors according to their importance and to their impact on project performance. This topic will be the subject of future research
A Data-Driven Framework for Automated Generation of PC Component Trailer Arrival Times: Integrating Work Interruptions Simulation and Duration Prediction
Get PDFCurrently, site managers at Precast concrete (PC) construction sites are determining arrival times using simplified methods without considering duration variability and work interruptions, resulting in frequent site congestion and work delays. To address these issues, this research proposes a framework for a data-driven for automated generation of PC component trailer arrival times. By presenting multiple arrival time options according to various confidence intervals, the framework provides site managers with a flexible decision support tool that can be tailored to specific project needs. This framework will contribute to the improvement of efficiency and economic feasibility of PC construction by systematically managing the uncertainties of on-site operations. Through this framework, the limitations of existing methods that rely on experience and intuition can be overcome, and construction companies are expected to implement decision support tools optimized for their specific site characteristics using independently collected data