Design for Transportability of Modular Buildings: Quantitative Evaluation and Cross-Case Study

Abstract

Abstract With the advancement of modular integrated construction (MiC), transportation has emerged as a critical link in the construction supply chain, directly impacting project cost, schedule, and safety. While design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) prioritizes factory production and on-site assembly efficiency, it often overlooks the transportability of components, leading to a disconnect between architectural design and downstream logistics. To address this gap, this study proposes a quantitative evaluation framework for the design for transportability (DFT) of volumetric modular buildings. The framework encompasses 12 key design factors across 4 dimensions: geometry, weight, structure, and construction details. By employing the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (Fuzzy AHP), the study identifies component dimensions and weight as the core factors driving transportation efficiency. Furthermore, a DFT-DfMA synergy-conflict model is established to integrate DFT into the broader DfMA. The framework’s effectiveness is validated through two volumetric modular case studies, the Checkered Playroom and the Nomadic Museum. Through an in-depth analysis of stacking, transporting, and lifting phases, the study reveals two distinct logistical strategies: human-centered collaboration for small-scale modules and machine-driven operations for standardized containers. By transforming passive logistical constraints into active design variables, this research formally advances the traditional DfMA paradigm. Ultimately, it delivers a holistic decision-support tool that empowers stakeholders to achieve collaborative optimization across manufacturing, transportation, and assembly phases.