Industrial Modularization: How to Optimize; How to Maximize (Best Practice)

Modularization entails the large-scale transfer of stick-build construction effort from the jobsite to one or more local or distant fabrication shops/yards in order to exploit one or more strategic advantages. However, the construction industry has been slow to achieve high levels of modularization and has reached a ceiling in terms of the percentage of stick-built work hours being exported offsite. RT-283 addressed the question of what changes or adaptations in traditional project work processes are required to create an optimal environment for broader and more effective use of modularization. The research effort led to the development of five distinct solution elements: 1) business case process, 2) execution plan differences, 3) critical success factors, 4) standardization strategy, and 5) modularization maximization enablers.

The message is clear: for successful modularization to occur, substantial owner involvement must occur early. The scope of research limited this team’s work to the industrial sector; however, its research findings may apply equally well to the commercial and infrastructure project sectors.