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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 techniques 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 total administration effectivity.
PRESS RELEASE — Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) signify 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 examine, researchers developed an revolutionary digital twin facility administration system tailor-made particularly for RMBs. This superior framework integrates cutting-edge applied sciences to boost administration effectivity all through the constructing lifecycle, establishing a basis for wider digital twin integration in building.
Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) signify an revolutionary and rising resolution for versatile and sustainable building. These buildings might be rapidly assembled from prefabricated “modules” and simply transported, minimizing prices and environmental influence 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 significant problem in RMB initiatives.
To handle this, a analysis staff 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 software that gives a digital reproduction of bodily belongings, integrating real-time information, 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 staff additionally included contributions from Dr. Dennis Nguyen from Hanyang College. Their examine was made obtainable on-line on Might 05, 2025, and revealed 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 techniques (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 strong 3D modelling and complete constructing data. IoT offers real-time sensor information. GIS contributes vital geographic information, 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 kinds the inspiration for real-time monitoring and communication amongst completely different bodily parts corresponding to sources, modular items, and other people, together with stakeholders, engineers, and staff. The digital layer contains modeling instruments, information integration, and analytics. Lastly, the service layer permits customers to watch, management, and work together with the DT framework, supporting efficient resolution making all through the constructing lifecycle.
To display the sensible utility of the framework, the researchers carried out 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 vital function 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 challenge cycles,” remarks Dr. Nguyen.
