Digital twin visualization combining BIM, IoT data and GIS mapping for relocatable modular buildings.
Ansan, South Korea, August 19, 2025
A research team at Hanyang University ERICA developed a digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT-FMS) to improve tracking, management and reuse of relocatable modular buildings. The platform integrates BIM, IoT sensors and GIS to create a real-time virtual model that supports monitoring, logistics and decision support across three layers: physical, digital and service. Tested on a relocatable modular school in South Korea, the framework improved module distribution, reuse and operational efficiency. Researchers say the approach can support circular construction by extending component life, though wider adoption needs data standards, sensor investment and manager training.
A research team from Hanyang University ERICA has introduced a new digital twin framework aimed at improving how relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) are tracked, managed and reused across multiple lifecycles. Published in a peer-reviewed journal earlier this month, the framework is intended to help the growing modular building industry cut costs and environmental impacts while supporting a circular economy approach to construction.
The team, led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn, developed a digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT-FMS) that maps physical modular assets to a real-time virtual model. The platform integrates three major technologies—BIM (Building Information Modeling), IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems)—to enable 3D modelling, continuous sensor-based monitoring, and location-driven logistics planning.
Modular construction is gaining attention for delivering buildings faster and with lower upfront cost and environmental impact than conventional methods. Relocatable modular buildings are built from prefabricated modules that can be assembled, dismantled and transported between sites. However, tracking and managing those modules over multiple deployments has been a persistent operational challenge. The new framework directly addresses that gap by linking on-site components, people and processes to a virtual representation that can be monitored and analysed in real time.
The DT-FMS is organised into three layers:
The research team tested the system on a relocatable modular school program in South Korea. The case study found improvements in module distribution, reuse and management efficiency. Those operational gains translated into further reductions in operational costs and energy efficiency. The study’s outcomes suggest that better digital management of modular stock can extend useful life, reduce waste and lower lifecycle environmental footprints.
Co-author Dr. Dennis Nguyen highlighted that the digital twin approach can support circular economy practices by making it easier to reuse, reconfigure and optimally relocate modules rather than demolish and rebuild. The platform’s combined use of modelling, sensor data and geographic logistics allows owners and managers to make more informed choices about when a module should be redeployed, retrofitted or retired.
The framework was published in the journal Automation in Construction at the start of the month. The project was led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn, with contributions from an interdisciplinary team including Dr. Dennis Nguyen. A contributing writer credited on the source report has a background covering emerging technologies, robotics, smart cities and the mining and resources sector.
For manufacturers, contractors and building owners working with modular systems, the DT-FMS offers a blueprint for using connected data to improve asset visibility, reduce downtime, and support logistics planning across locations. For policy makers and sustainability planners, the framework demonstrates a practical pathway to increase reuse rates for building components and reduce lifecycle emissions through improved asset management.
The researchers note that while the prototype performed well in the case study, wider adoption will require interoperable data standards, investment in sensor and communication infrastructure, and training for facility managers. Further pilots across different module types and climates would help validate scalability and long-term benefits.
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical modular asset that receives real-time data from sensors and other sources to mirror the condition, location and performance of the asset.
By tracking modules, predicting maintenance needs and optimising relocation logistics, the DT-FMS enables reuse and reconfiguration of modules instead of disposal, which reduces material waste and extends component life.
The framework integrates BIM for 3D modelling, IoT sensors for monitoring, and GIS for location-driven logistics planning, all linked through the digital twin platform.
The team ran a case study on a relocatable modular school system in South Korea and reported improvements in distribution, reuse and management efficiency.
Key barriers include the need for interoperable data standards, capital for sensors and communications, and training for staff to use and trust digital-twin tools.
Feature | Description | Benefit |
---|---|---|
DT-FMS | Digital twin–enabled facility management system integrating models, sensors and location data | Real-time asset visibility and decision support |
BIM + IoT + GIS | 3D models, sensor monitoring, and geographic logistics combined | Improved planning, monitoring and relocation efficiency |
Three-layer architecture | Physical, digital and service layers for end-to-end lifecycle control | Structured data flow from field to decision-makers |
Case study: modular school | Applied the framework to a relocatable school program in South Korea | Demonstrated improved module distribution and reuse |
Circular economy focus | Tools to enable reuse, reconfiguration and optimal relocation | Reduces waste and extends asset value |
This report summarises recent academic work on digital twins for modular construction and presents practical findings from a real-world case study. The research offers a framework for organisations seeking to improve the lifecycle management and circularity of relocatable modular buildings.
Santa Monica, Calif., August 20, 2025 News Summary JLL Capital Markets arranged a $28.5 million construction…
Minden, August 20, 2025 News Summary The Minden school board reviewed a proposal to build a…
Florida, August 20, 2025 News Summary RBI Private Lending issued a correction clarifying its placement in…
, August 20, 2025 News Summary Construction has started on a 14‑unit for‑sale townhome development at…
Wrexham, Wales, August 20, 2025 News Summary An engineering and architecture team led by Ramboll has…
Muscat, Oman, August 20, 2025 News Summary Researchers and companies are advancing ultrasonic sea-sand desalination, a…