Establishing carbon footprints for modular integrated construction logistics using cyber-physical internet routers

• Published in: Transportation research. Part D, Transport and environment Transport and environment, 2024-08, Vol.133, p.104259, Article 104259
• Main Authors: Ng, Chung-lam, Li, Ming, Zhong, Ray Y., Qu, Xinye, Huang, George Q.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon footprint; Cyber-physical internet; MiC logistics; Router; Routing table
• ISSN: 1361-9209
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trd.2024.104259

Modular integrated construction (MiC) logistics is controversial regarding carbon emissions due to the increased weight of shipped modules. Logistics companies prefer efficiency-oriented and profit-oriented demand, which leads to limited carbon reduction. Relying on road transport intensifies these challenges, highlighting the need for improved strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. This study proposes adopting the concept of the cyber-physical internet (CPI) to digitalize carbon footprints in MiC logistics. A CPI carbon footprint framework is established by routers in MiC logistics. The unique characteristics of MiC and real-world instances are integrated into the proposed routing protocol. A routing algorithm for carbon emissions is improved by considering heavy trucks’ speed and loading capacities. Simulation studies are conducted using real-world data and databases to investigate the impacts of loading capacity and average speed on carbon footprints. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding and offers practical guidelines for effectively reducing carbon emissions in MiC logistics.