Guerra, M. A.; Carvalho, M. S.; Pimentel, C.; Duarte, C. and Costa, S. (2026) Determining different levels of modularization on a construction project through a product architecture modularity decomposition approach: A case study. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 24(3), pp. 713-733. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – Modular integrated construction is a construction industrialization approach which arises as an alternative to traditional methods and has a substantial impact on the design, development and management of construction projects. This study aims to improve the design process in modular integrated construction through the identification and analysis of different levels of construction modularization. To do so, a modularity decomposition approach to product architecture is applied Design/methodology/approach – This study uses a hybrid method that combines hierarchical clustering (cladistics) with a design structure matrix for determining the optimal granularity level for the product architecture and generating modules with the minimum external interfaces and maximum internal integration. The proposed method is validated through a case study, conducted on a three-dimensional prefabricated structure comprising a kitchenette and toilet unit meant for university residence rooms. Findings – The application of the proposed approach in the construction case study effectively identified the ideal granularity level on which an objective definition of various modularization levels may be established. The results demonstrate the potential of the technique to identify viable product and process platforms and suggest that the approach is capable of guiding modular design decisions and improving integration in construction projects. Originality/value – This research introduces a novel application of a previously researched modularity decomposition technique – originally developed for the automotive industry – to the industrialized construction sector as a structured and objective method for determining different levels of construction modularization. The findings indicate its potential to analyze increasingly complex building units and advancing construction industrialization efforts.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; construction industrialization; granularity; level of modularization; modules; product architecture |
| Index terms: | design process, methodology, industrialization, case study, clustering, modularity, modular design, module, construction project, modularization, automotive industry, industrialized construction, integration, platform, product architecture, design structure matrix |
| Subjects: | design methods, construction type, building construction, production management, organizational analysis, industry analysis, data science, research methods, digital design, architectural elements, economic development, data collection methods, design flexibility |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Research Practice, Project Management, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Design Practice, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here