Hanyang University develops digital twin framework for relocatable modular buildings

Hanyang University team unveils a digital‑twin framework to improve relocatable modular building management

Date: August 14, 2025 — Source attribution: Hanyang University ERICA. Edited by: Gaby Clark. Reviewed by: Robert Egan (scientific/editorial review). The research article appears in Automation in Construction (2025) with DOI 10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106249. The page notes the summary was automatically generated using an LLM and that content was reviewed and fact‑checked under standard editorial procedures.

Top line

A research team led by an associate professor in the School of Architecture & Architectural Engineering at Hanyang University ERICA has published a new digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT‑FMS) designed for relocatable modular buildings (RMBs). The framework integrates BIM (building information modeling), IoT (Internet of Things), and GIS (geographic information systems) to support real‑time monitoring, lifecycle performance analysis, logistics simulation, and decision making for module distribution and reuse.

Why it matters

The DT‑FMS aims to fill a gap where digital twins have been adopted in other sectors but remain underused in modular construction. By creating a digital replica of physical assets that ties together 3D building models, live sensor data and location intelligence, the framework is intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste through reuse and reconfiguration of modules, and enable better relocation planning across repeated project cycles.

How the DT‑FMS works

The framework is organized into three interconnected layers: a physical layer for on‑site tracking and communications among resources, modular units and people; a digital layer for modeling, data integration and analytics; and a service layer that provides user interfaces for monitoring, control and decision support across a building’s lifecycle. The physical layer explicitly includes stakeholders such as engineers and workers to emphasize human‑system interactions in logistics and maintenance workflows.

Case study and results

Researchers tested the system using a relocatable modular school project in South Korea. The practical application demonstrated that the DT‑FMS supported faster and better‑informed decisions about module distribution, reuse and relocation, resulting in improved management efficiency. The study highlights how the integrated DT model enables real‑time monitoring, performance analysis and logistics simulation to inform lifecycle choices.

Research team and contribution

The lead research team was led by an associate professor at Hanyang University ERICA and included contributions from other researchers including a doctoral researcher from the same university. The published paper lists multiple authors and lays out the DT‑FMS architecture, data flows, and a field case demonstrating operational benefits for relocatable modular assets.

Broader context for modular construction

The DT‑FMS arrives amid growing national and international interest in modular construction. Industry efforts include demonstrations of prefabricated concrete apartments and prototype residential modules sized for multi‑story projects, as well as large deployment goals and completed projects in overseas markets. Market projections show the modular construction sector expanding substantially through the middle of the decade, driven by needs for speed, quality control and labor‑efficient production.

Reported advantages for modular approaches include shorter timelines, consistent quality, lower onsite labor demand and sustainability benefits tied to off‑site production. Challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, transport and lifting constraints that limit module size, fire‑resistance requirements for tall buildings, and an ongoing cost premium largely tied to upfront factory and logistics investments.

Policy and industry implications

Researchers position the DT‑FMS as a practical tool that supports a more circular approach to modular assets by enabling planned reuse, reconfiguration and relocation. This can reduce material waste and improve asset value across repeated project cycles. The paper and accompanying materials point toward needs for broader investment in data systems, interoperability between BIM/IoT/GIS platforms, and workforce training to realize the full benefits of digital twin solutions for modular construction.

Additional page details

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