A Physical Internet-enabled Building Information Modelling System for prefabricated construction. Issue 4 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Ke; Xu, Gangyan; Xue, Fan; Zhong, Ray Y.; Liu, Diandian; Lu, Weisheng
• Is Part Of: International journal of computer integrated manufacturing. Volume 31:Issue 4/5(2018)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 361
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: prefabricated construction -- energy efficiency -- Physical Internet -- Building Information Modelling (BIM) -- cloud technologies; Computer integrated manufacturing systems -- Periodicals; 670.427
• DOI: 10.1080/0951192X.2017.1379095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-192X

Abstract

Abstract : Prefabricated construction is believed to be energy conserving though opportunities for achieving higher energy efficiency have yet to be fully harnessed. From investigation of a prefabricated construction project in Hong Kong, two main problems have been revealed relating to energy consumption, including: (i) inefficient management of resources such as labours and machines, and (ii) inefficient production, transportation, and on-site assembly of prefabricated components. These problems are primarily caused by lagged information communication and human errors. This paper seeks to offer a solution by developing a Physical Internet-enabled Building Information Modelling System (PI-BIMS) that integrates Auto-ID technologies, BIM, and cloud computing. The PI-BIMS enables real-time collection, communication, and visualisation of information across the processes of production, transportation, and on-site assembly. Practical issues of the system implementation are provided through a pilot prototype. It is found that the PI-BIMS helps enhance the resource allocation efficiency and decrease human errors. Thus, an alternative opportunity to improve energy efficiency in prefabricated construction has become possible.