A research team in South Korea has unveiled a digital twin facility management system that promises to transform the way relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) are designed, managed, and reused.
RMBs are gaining traction as a flexible and sustainable construction solution, offering rapid assembly, safe working conditions, and reduced environmental impact. But while these plug-and-play buildings can be relocated and repurposed across multiple lifecycles, managing assets and logistics efficiently remains a sticking point.
To tackle this, researchers led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn from Hanyang University ERICA have developed a digital twin-enabled facility management system (DT-FMS) designed specifically for RMBs.
Smarter lifecycle management with digital twins
“Digital twin technology is a groundbreaking tool that offers a digital replica of physical assets, integrating real-time data, predictive analysis, and decision-making abilities,” says Prof. Ahn. While digital twins have gained popularity in other industries, their application in modular construction has lagged behind—until now.
The newly proposed DT-FMS combines three core technologies:
- Building information modelling (BIM): delivering robust 3D models and comprehensive asset data.
- Internet of things (IoT): enabling real-time data collection from sensors.
- Geographic information systems (GIS): supporting logistics and location-based decision-making.
Together, they form a virtual model of modular buildings that can monitor performance, track assets, and simulate logistics across lifecycles.
Three layers of innovation
The framework is structured across three interconnected layers:
- Physical layer – real-time tracking of resources, modular units, and people.
- Digital layer – data integration, modelling, and analytics.
- Service layer – enabling users to monitor, interact with, and optimise the system for better decision-making.
This layered approach ensures RMBs can be efficiently managed and relocated, extending their usefulness and boosting sustainability.
Real-world application in modular schools
To prove the concept, the research team tested the framework on a relocatable modular school system in South Korea. The DT-FMS improved logistics and module reuse, making asset management more efficient and sustainable.
“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,” says Dr. Dennis Nguyen, a co-author of the study.
Why it matters
By merging BIM, IoT, and GIS into a single digital twin framework, the study demonstrates how relocatable modular buildings can achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and lifecycle resilience. For industries grappling with resource constraints and the drive toward net zero, this research points to a future where buildings aren’t just smart—they’re circular.
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