Optimising site transport deliveries: Modern Methods of Construction (Ref: ABCE-EBE-AS4)

About the Project

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 flatpacked 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 premanufactured construction modules, pods, and components under MMC Cat 1 and 2.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Dr. Ali M. Saad a.saad@lboro.ac.uk

Name of secondary supervisor:
Dr Yasir Ali https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/abce/staff/yasir-ali/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience is desirable.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 30 June 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)