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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 research on a modular college system in South Korea confirmed the system improved module distribution, reuse, and total administration effectivity.
PRESS RELEASE — Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) symbolize a sustainable building technique the place buildings are assembled and transported simply utilizing prefabricated modules. Nonetheless, challenges in administration and logistics hinder their wider adoption. In a brand new research, researchers developed an revolutionary 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 building.
Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) symbolize an revolutionary and rising resolution for versatile and sustainable building. These buildings may be shortly assembled from prefabricated “modules” and simply transported, minimizing prices and environmental impression whereas offering safer and cleaner building environments. Nonetheless, the administration of belongings and modular items for reuse and relocation throughout a number of lifecycles stays a serious problem in RMB initiatives.
To handle this, a analysis crew led by Affiliate Professor Yonghan Ahn from the Faculty 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 expertise is a groundbreaking device that provides a digital reproduction of bodily belongings, integrating real-time knowledge, predictive evaluation, and decision-making talents,” explains Prof. Ahn. “Though digital twins are gaining recognition in different fields, their use in modular building stays restricted. We introduce a novel digital twin-enabled facility administration system (DT-FMS) tailor-made particularly for RMBs.” The crew additionally included contributions from Dr. Dennis Nguyen from Hanyang College. Their research was made accessible on-line on Could 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 gives sturdy 3D modelling and complete constructing data. IoT offers real-time sensor knowledge. GIS contributes important geographic knowledge, supporting efficient logistics of modular items and location-based resolution making.
This framework is structured throughout three interconnected layers: bodily, digital, and repair. The bodily layer varieties the muse for real-time monitoring and communication amongst completely different bodily parts akin to sources, modular items, and folks, together with stakeholders, engineers, and employees. The digital layer contains modeling instruments, knowledge integration, and analytics. Lastly, the service layer permits customers to observe, management, and work together with the DT framework, supporting efficient resolution making all through the constructing lifecycle.
To exhibit the sensible utility of the framework, the researchers carried out a case research on a relocatable modular college system in South Korea. DT-FMS enhanced the choice making for module distribution and reuse, leading to improved administration effectivity.
“Our analysis highlights the vital 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 venture cycles,” remarks Dr. Nguyen.
