Framework for Module Identification in Construction Projects

The construction projects have become more complex in recent years, with shorter delivery times. During the design phase, there is a huge volume of interactions that occur between the various design domains. It is often found that the constructability of the design is not considered thoroughly while carrying out the design process. Minimizing these interfaces/interactions can help reduce the rework caused by design changes. In this study, the idea of using automation for managing the construction projects is utilized to transform the traditional method of project execution into concurrent method by squeezing the design phase using modules. Modules represent the simpler standardized independent units with same interface which has minimum or no interaction with the other design units. Matrix methods like Design Structure Matrix (DSM) have the capability to map these design interdependencies, thus assisting in this process. This study develops a framework for identification of modules by thoroughly studying the design-construction process to manage multiple interactions occurring among the design activities. To achieve this objective, DSM-based module identification has been attempted on data from multiple bridge projects. The proposed framework can be used to develop a sustainable design package architecture. The design modules identified from the framework can further be standardized and modified for reduction in activity cycle time. The framework yielded positive results for bridge design packages, still a proper understanding of the system or design package is required to achieve satisfactory results for other types of construction projects.