Optimal multimodal transportation planning for precast modules used in modular construction under uncertainty

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

The global construction industry is increasingly adopting modular construction (MC) methods to enhance productivity and sustainability. However, implementing such a production–transportation–assembly approach faces challenges in coordinating supply chains. To formulate transportation plans for modules, cost efficiency must be balanced against various practical issues, e.g. in-transit module damage and on-site storage constraints. Extending deterministic optimisation, this paper formulates a stochastic programming model to support cost-optimised decision-making for factory-to-site module transportation, determining the transport mode adopted (direct land vs. multimodal) and daily schedules (quantities of modules dispatched) under real-life uncertainties. The model is verified through numerical experiments and validated through two real cases in Hong Kong. Robust analyses show that, compared to deterministic methods that produce infeasible solutions, the proposed stochastic method ensures the generation of robust transportation plans across different damage rate scenarios. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses are conducted to evaluate the impact of module damage scenarios and logistics-related limits on total costs. Results identify module damage during transportation as a major cost driver, with the associated cost increments scaling with the quantities of modules involved in the project. The model and managerial insights from this research facilitate the development of robust and cost-optimised transportation plans for large-scale MC projects.

Publication Title

International Journal of Production Research

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