2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Trends in Modular Construction Research: A Bibliometric Examination of Developed and Developing Regions

Modular construction is a process in which various building types, standardized structural components and pre-designed floor plans are constructed offsite under controlled plant conditions before being transported and assembled on-site. This method of construction has gained significant recognition in recent years due to its numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, improved safety, greater flexibility in design, reduced construction time, enhanced quality control, reduced waste and improved sustainability. Despite its well-documented benefits, its adoption varies significantly across developed and developing regions. To better understand the trends and patterns in modular construction research, this study conducted a bibliometric analysis of studies published and indexed in Scopus. The analysis focused on the period between 2004 and 2024 and covered both developed and developing regions. Keywords used in the search were “modular construction” OR “prefabricated construction” OR “offsite construction” OR “sustainable construction” AND “construction industry” AND “urban development”. Major findings from this study revealed that regions such as China, the United States and Australia demonstrated consistent research output, while African countries, particularly South Africa, showed limited contributions. This highlighted a significant knowledge gap in modular construction research within developing regions. Additionally, the study identified critical areas of focus in modular construction research and highlighted a lack of integration between developing and developed regions within collaborative research networks. The findings underscore the need for enhanced research capacity and cross-regional collaboration to address localized challenges and foster the equitable adoption of modular construction practices globally. The novelty of this study lies in its comparative analysis of developed and developing countries, which provides valuable insights into disparities in research output and collaboration patterns.

Authors

John Ogbeleakhu Aliu http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5651-4009 University of Georgia [biography]

John Aliu is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Engineering Education Transformations Institute (EETI) within the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia, United States. His primary research aims to equip engineering students with critical competencies and enhance their employability in the context of rapid technological advancements. Dr. Aliu also conducts research on smart and sustainable construction and explores innovative Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for building resilient infrastructure. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, a Master’s degree in Construction Management, and a PhD in Civil Engineering. He has authored and co-authored numerous publications in collaboration with international colleagues, contributing to the fields of engineering education, skills development, construction digitalization and sustainable construction. Additionally, he serves as an Associate Editor for the ASCE Journal of Civil Engineering Education.
ISAAC DAMILARE DUNMOYE University of Georgia [biography]

Isaac Dunmoye
PhD in Engineering (in view), University of Georgia, USA,
M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, South Africa, 2022.
B.Eng. in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, 2016.
VINCENT OLUWASETO FAKIYESI University of Georgia [biography]

Vincent Oluwaseto Fakiyesi received the B.Tech. degree in chemical engineering from the Ladoke
Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, , Nigeria in 2015, and He is presently a
Doctoral Students at Engineering Education Transformative Institute at the University of Georgia College
of Engineering
Taiwo Raphael Feyijimi http://orcid.org/0009-0009-5752-4175 University of Georgia [biography]

Taiwo is a highly skilled AI Engineer, Researcher, and Doctoral Student at the University of Georgia who completed his MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering. He is currently leveraging AI to tackle simple and longstanding problems in engineering education.

With over a decade of industry experience as a Technology Strategist and Technical Lead, he has established himself as a forward-thinking innovator in AI and EdTech.

His expertise spans Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Prompt Engineering Techniques (PETs) with Large Language Models (LLMs). Taiwo is known for his ability to collaborate effectively within and across organizations to meet project goals and drive transformative results. He excels in leading technical teams, offering strategic IT consultations, and implementing solutions that enhance productivity.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025