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An integrated method of automated layout design and optimization for modular construction

Zihao Zheng (Department of Building Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China)
Yuanqi Li (Department of Building Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China)
Jaume Torres (Department of Building Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, China)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 1 November 2022

Issue publication date: 1 March 2024

343

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a generative design method combined with meta-heuristic algorithm for automating and optimizing the floor layout of modular buildings using typical standardized module units, which are the room module, the corridor module and the stair module.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated framework involves the generative design method and optimization for modular construction. The generative rules are provided by geometric relationships and functionalities of the module units. An evaluation function of the generated floor plans is also presented by the combination of project cost and cost penalties for the geometric features. The multi-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) method is provided for the optimization of the combination of costs.

Findings

The proposed MPGA method is demonstrated fast and efficient at discovering the globally optimal solution. The results indicate that when the unit price of modules is high, the transportation distance is long, or the land cost is high, the layout cost, which related to the symmetry, the compactness and the energy is tend to be lower, making the optimal layout economical.

Originality/value

This paper presented an integrated framework of generative floor layout and optimization for modular construction by using typical module units. It fulfills the need for automated layout generation with repetitive units and corresponding assessment during the early design stage.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial supports from the State Key Laboratory of Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering (No. SLDRCE19-B-06) and the National Science Foundation of China (No. 51538002).

Citation

Zheng, Z., Li, Y. and Torres, J. (2024), "An integrated method of automated layout design and optimization for modular construction", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 1016-1036. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2022-0329

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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