Researchers at Hanyang University in South Korea have developed a digital-twin framework to enhance sustainability and efficiency of modular buildings.

The digital-twin facility management system can improve the efficiency of relocatable modular building lifecycle management.

Relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) represent a sustainable construction method where buildings are assembled and transported easily using prefabricated modules. However, challenges in management and logistics hinder their wider adoption.

In the study, researchers developed a digital-twin facility management system tailored for RMBs. This framework integrates technologies to enhance management efficiency throughout the building lifecycle, establishing a foundation for wider digital-twin integration in construction.

RMBs are an innovative and growing option for flexible and sustainable construction. These buildings can be quickly assembled from prefabricated modules and easily transported, reducing costs and environmental impact while providing safer and cleaner construction environments. However, the management of assets and modular units for reuse and relocation across multiple lifecycles remains a major challenge in RMB projects.

To address this, a research team led by associate professor Yonghan Ahn from the School of Architecture & Architectural Engineering at Hanyang University Erica developed a digital-twin-based framework for facility management of RMB projects.

“Digital-twin technology is a ground-breaking tool that offers a digital replica of physical assets, integrating real-time data, predictive analysis and decision-making abilities,” said Ahn. “Although digital twins are gaining popularity in other fields, their use in modular construction remains limited. We introduce a novel digital twin-enabled facility management system [DT-FMS] tailored specifically for RMBs.”

The team also included contributions from Dennis Nguyen from Hanyang University. Their study (www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926580525002894) was made available online and published in of the journal Automation in Construction this month.

The DT-FMS integrates building information modelling (BIM), IoT and GIS to create a detailed virtual model of RMBs. This model supports real-time monitoring, performance analysis and logistics simulations across the building’s lifecycle. BIM offers robust 3D modelling and comprehensive building information. IoT provides real-time sensor data. GIS contributes critical geographic data, supporting effective logistics of modular units and location-based decision making.

This framework is structured across three interconnected layers: physical, digital and service. The physical layer forms the foundation for real-time tracking and communication among different physical components such as resources, modular units and people, including stakeholders, engineers and workers. The digital layer includes modelling tools, data integration and analytics. Finally, the service layer allows users to monitor, control and interact with the DT framework, supporting effective decision making throughout the building lifecycle.

To demonstrate the practical application of the framework, the researchers conducted a case study on a relocatable modular school system in South Korea. DT-FMS enhanced the decision making for module distribution and reuse, resulting in improved management efficiency.

“Our research highlights the important role of digital twins in promoting a circular economy by enabling the reuse, reconfiguration and optimal relocation of modular units, thereby minimising waste and maximising value throughout repeating project cycles,” said Nguyen.

Hanyang University Erica (www.hanyang.ac.kr/web/eng/erica-campus1) is a research-focused campus established in 1979 in Ansan, South Korea.