The construction sector faces increasing challenges related to high carbon emissions, resource depletion, construction waste and inefficient linear supply chains. These problems require new approaches that improve resource efficiency and support circular use of materials across the entire building life cycle.

In the project Sustainable and optimised modular construction value chain (N2-0434), researchers develop optimization methods to address optimization problems in the modular construction value chain, aimed at reducing logistics costs and environmental impact, with a strong focus on circularity.

Three main areas are considered: logistics network design for construction and demolition flows, multi-objective optimisation of construction materials, elements and layout and also sustainable life cycle and resource recovery. These include routing and material flow problems, optimisation of building design and end-of-life material recovery with a product-as-a-service approach.

A key part of the project is the formulation of mathematical models based on empirical and secondary data, where system components such as collected data, materials, elements, service life of buildings, material recovery and operations in the construction of modular buildings are identified and used to formulate optimisation problems.

Researchers are investigating hybrid algorithms combining exact methods and heuristics, including large neighbourhood search (LNS), to solve complex optimisation problems efficiently. Multi-objective approaches are also used to balance cost, performance and environmental impact, and to generate pareto optimal solutions. Since real-world data availability is limited, synthetic instances are generated using instance space analysis to enable robust testing of the methods.

The project (N2-0434) runs from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2030. It is led by Dr. Jakub Sandak and financed by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS). It is coordinated by UP IAM. Project partners include Poznań University of Economics and Business and Vienna University of Technology.

Expected outcomes include improved optimisation methods for modular construction that reduce logistics costs and environmental impact. The project will provide decision-support tools for logistics, material and layout optimisation, and resource recovery. Hybrid and multi-objective approaches will enable efficient and balanced solutions. Synthetic test instances will ensure robust validation of the methods. Overall, the project will support a more circular and sustainable construction sector.

Authors: Lara Prah, Dr. Lea Primožič, Dr. David Balazs