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Researchers developed a digital twin-based facility administration system (DT-FMS) to enhance lifecycle administration of relocatable modular buildings (RMBs).
The framework integrates constructing data modeling, web of issues, and geographic data methods for real-time monitoring, efficiency evaluation, and logistics simulations.
A case examine on a modular faculty system in South Korea confirmed the system improved module distribution, reuse, and general administration effectivity.
PRESS RELEASE — Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) signify a sustainable development technique the place buildings are assembled and transported simply utilizing prefabricated modules. Nevertheless, challenges in administration and logistics hinder their wider adoption. In a brand new examine, researchers developed an modern digital twin facility administration system tailor-made particularly for RMBs. This superior framework integrates cutting-edge applied sciences to reinforce administration effectivity all through the constructing lifecycle, establishing a basis for wider digital twin integration in development.
Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) signify an modern and rising answer for versatile and sustainable development. These buildings will be shortly assembled from prefabricated “modules” and simply transported, minimizing prices and environmental influence whereas offering safer and cleaner development environments. Nevertheless, the administration of belongings and modular items for reuse and relocation throughout a number of lifecycles stays a significant problem in RMB initiatives.
To handle this, a analysis group led by Affiliate Professor Yonghan Ahn from the College of Structure & Architectural Engineering at Hanyang College ERICA in South Korea, developed a brand new digital twin (DT)-based framework for facility administration of RMB initiatives. “Digital twin know-how is a groundbreaking instrument that gives a digital reproduction of bodily belongings, integrating real-time knowledge, predictive evaluation, and decision-making skills,” explains Prof. Ahn. “Though digital twins are gaining reputation in different fields, their use in modular development stays restricted. We introduce a novel digital twin-enabled facility administration system (DT-FMS) tailor-made particularly for RMBs.” The group additionally included contributions from Dr. Dennis Nguyen from Hanyang College. Their examine was made obtainable on-line on Might 05, 2025, and printed in Quantity 176 of the journal Automation in Development in August 01, 2025.
The brand new DT-FMS integrates constructing data modeling (BIM), web of issues (IoT), and geographic data methods (GIS) to create an in depth digital mannequin of RMBs. This mannequin helps real-time monitoring, efficiency evaluation, and logistics simulations throughout the constructing’s lifecycle. BIM affords sturdy 3D modelling and complete constructing data. IoT offers real-time sensor knowledge. GIS contributes crucial geographic knowledge, supporting efficient logistics of modular items and location-based determination making.
This framework is structured throughout three interconnected layers: bodily, digital, and repair. The bodily layer kinds the inspiration for real-time monitoring and communication amongst totally different bodily parts reminiscent of assets, modular items, and other people, together with stakeholders, engineers, and employees. The digital layer consists of modeling instruments, knowledge integration, and analytics. Lastly, the service layer permits customers to observe, management, and work together with the DT framework, supporting efficient determination making all through the constructing lifecycle.
To show the sensible utility of the framework, the researchers performed a case examine on a relocatable modular faculty system in South Korea. DT-FMS enhanced the choice making for module distribution and reuse, leading to improved administration effectivity.
“Our analysis highlights the necessary position of digital twins in selling a round financial system by enabling the reuse, reconfiguration, and optimum relocation of modular items, thereby minimizing waste and maximizing worth all through repeating undertaking cycles,” remarks Dr. Nguyen.
