Loughborough University

Optimising site transport deliveries: Modern Methods of Construction

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Applications of Industrialised Construction (IC) involve producing prefabricated elements in factories, transporting such elements to prepared sites, and assembling these in suitable forms for a safe and operational end product. Variations of such approaches include either whole built modules, e.g. 3D volumetric solutions, or 2D flat-packed systems, often referred to as the Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Categories 1 and 2.

These varied applications of IC are likely to be associated with different transport needs, whereby on-site arrival via predetermined routes plays a critical role. Designing an optimisation system that allows transport operators to select an efficient route consider material nature, environmental factors, and site readiness will be a key within a value chain that determines lead transport times of modules, which are ideally in alignment with both factory production and site readiness. This project aims to link the changes and possible digital applications that need to be made available to optimise existing transport decision-making and arrangements.

The PhD is expected to contribute to our body of knowledge around optimising transport of pre-manufactured construction modules, pods, and components under MMC Cat 1 and 2. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Research optimising transport of prefabricated construction modules, pods and components
  • Focus on Modern Methods of Construction Categories 1 and 2
  • Covers 3D volumetric and 2D flat-packed construction systems
  • Design a route optimisation system for transport operators
  • Align module delivery times with factory production and site readiness
  • Explore digital applications to improve transport decision-making

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees
  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000
  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000
  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Construction logistics manager
  • Offsite construction specialist
  • Construction research engineer
  • Transport optimisation analyst
  • Supply chain manager (construction)
  • University lecturer in construction engineering

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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