Automatic work package sizing for cost-effective modular construction.

The accurate determination of work package size is crucial for cost reduction and achieving efficient mass production in modular construction (MC) projects. However, effectively balancing sizing and cost poses a significant challenge due to the absence of a precise trade-off method. This paper describes an automatic work package sizing (AWPS) method in MC production to optimize work package sizing while minimizing costs. First, the multi-stakeholders-oriented MC production process is modeled to identify the tasks in MC production. Second, critical factors affecting the size of work packages are identified and analyzed. Then, a dynamic programming algorithm is developed to merge the tasks to work packages at a minimal cost. The AWPS method is validated in a case study, and the results show that the AWPS can effectively package production tasks while reducing costs by 1.28%–16.25% compared with traditional task-organizing methods. • Automatic work package sizing for cost reduction of modular construction (MC). • A framework for the multi-takeholders-oriented MC production processes. • A work package sizing model considering the size factors and cost performance. • A dynamic programming method for tasks merging with minimum cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]