TY - JOUR
T1 - Automating the modular construction process
T2 - A review of digital technologies and future directions with blockchain technology
AU - Olawumi, Timothy O.
AU - Chan, Daniel W.M.
AU - Ojo, Stephen
AU - Yam, Michael C.H.
N1 - Funding Information:
The project leading to the publication of this paper was fully funded by the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong. Project Account Code: K-BBY3.
Funding Information:
The project leading to the publication of this paper was fully funded by the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong. Project Account Code: K-BBY3 .
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd
PY - 2022/4/1
Y1 - 2022/4/1
N2 - Modular integrated construction (MiC) method has come to limelight in recent years due to its enormous potentials. Although several digital tools and technologies (DTT) have been employed in MiC projects, no previous research study has critically reviewed and analysed their implementation in MiC projects. The current study addresses this gap using a three-tier research approach– data curation, science mapping, and systematic analysis to evaluate modular construction research studies. The findings revealed minimal application of DTT in the MiC prefab transportation phase and the potentiality of blockchain and other integrated DTT for use in MiC projects. Globally, Canada, China, and the USA are the leading countries that have applied DTT in MiC projects. Also, simulation, building information modelling (BIM), and optimization algorithms are the most frequently deployed DTT in modular construction. This study has provided valuable insights into the digital technologies adopted in MiC projects and potential areas for its future use in modular construction.
AB - Modular integrated construction (MiC) method has come to limelight in recent years due to its enormous potentials. Although several digital tools and technologies (DTT) have been employed in MiC projects, no previous research study has critically reviewed and analysed their implementation in MiC projects. The current study addresses this gap using a three-tier research approach– data curation, science mapping, and systematic analysis to evaluate modular construction research studies. The findings revealed minimal application of DTT in the MiC prefab transportation phase and the potentiality of blockchain and other integrated DTT for use in MiC projects. Globally, Canada, China, and the USA are the leading countries that have applied DTT in MiC projects. Also, simulation, building information modelling (BIM), and optimization algorithms are the most frequently deployed DTT in modular construction. This study has provided valuable insights into the digital technologies adopted in MiC projects and potential areas for its future use in modular construction.
KW - Blockchain technology
KW - Digital tools
KW - Modular integrated construction
KW - Prefabrication
KW - Technologies
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85120311427&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103720
DO - 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103720
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85120311427
SN - 2352-7102
VL - 46
JO - Journal of Building Engineering
JF - Journal of Building Engineering
M1 - 103720
ER -