Hanyang University develops digital twin framework for relocatable modular buildings

Hanyang University team publishes digital‑twin facility‑management framework to boost relocatable modular building operations

What’s new: A research team led by an associate professor in the School of Architecture & Architectural Engineering at a South Korean university has published a new digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT‑FMS) designed specifically for relocatable modular buildings (RMBs). The study, appearing in a 2025 issue of a peer‑reviewed construction automation journal (DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106249), describes an integrated framework that brings together building information modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and geographic information systems (GIS) to enable real‑time monitoring, logistics simulation and lifecycle decision support.

Key publication details

The story page summarizing the research is dated August 14, 2025 and attributed to the university campus. It states the write‑up was edited by an editor named Gaby Clark and reviewed by Robert Egan in an associate editorial role. The page indicates the content underwent editorial review, fact‑checking and proofreading. A note on the page also states that the summary text was automatically generated using a large language model.

What the system does

The DT‑FMS links three technology domains. BIM is used for robust 3‑D modeling and storing comprehensive building information. IoT supplies live sensor feeds for conditions and performance. GIS adds geographic and location data to support routing, placement and relocation logistics. Together these inputs feed a digital replica of modular assets that supports monitoring, predictive analysis and operational decisions across a module’s lifecycle.

How the framework is organized

The published framework is arranged into three interconnected layers:

• Physical layer: supports real‑time tracking and communication among physical resources, modular units and people, explicitly including stakeholders, engineers and workers.
• Digital layer: contains modeling tools, data integration pipelines and analytics routines that produce the live digital twin models.
• Service layer: provides user interfaces and applications that let managers monitor, control and interact with the DT framework to support lifecycle decisions.

Evidence from a case study

The team demonstrated the DT‑FMS using a relocatable modular school system in South Korea. Results showed improved management efficiency and clearer decision support for module distribution and reuse. Simulations and live tracking allowed planners to test reconfiguration and relocation scenarios, supporting faster, more informed choices about where and how to redeploy modules.

Broader implications for reuse and circular methods

The researchers frame the DT‑FMS as a tool for advancing circular‑economy practices in modular projects by making reuse, reconfiguration and optimal relocation of units easier and more predictable. They argue that a digital twin that fuses BIM, IoT and GIS can reduce waste and increase asset value across repeated project cycles by improving planning and logistics.

Context in the modular construction sector

Industry developments highlighted alongside the study show modular construction expanding in scope and scale. Manufacturers and contractors have been producing modular residential prototypes sized for mid‑ and high‑rise use, and public agencies have announced roadmaps to commission thousands of modular units over coming years. Reported operational benefits include shorter timelines, consistent quality and lower on‑site labor needs, though challenges remain in code compliance, transport limits, heavy lifting requirements and upfront factory and logistics costs that can create a price premium over traditional methods. Several large firms are pursuing international modular work, and reports show rapid market growth projections through the late 2020s.

Additional modular‑related developments noted on the same page

Among other items presented alongside the research were industry announcements ranging from modular weapon payload platforms to factory‑based apartment prototypes and large modular delivery targets in overseas programs. The material underscored the varied applications and rapid R&D momentum within modular product lines and logistics systems.

Practical notes and transparency

The summary page includes a standard set of reader interaction tools such as sharing options, a feedback mechanism and a public comments area. It also provides guidance for contacting the site for general inquiries and notes privacy and cookie practices related to navigation, analytics and third‑party content. The page explicitly states that email addresses entered for contact purposes are used only to identify the sender and are not retained by the publisher.

Paper citation

Truong Dang Hoang Nhat Nguyen et al., “Digital twin framework to enhance facility management for relocatable modular buildings,” Automation in Construction (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106249.