Ansan, South Korea, August 19, 2025
News Summary
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.
Hanyang University ERICA unveils digital-twin framework to manage relocatable modular buildings across their lifecycle
A research team at Hanyang University ERICA has unveiled a new digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT-FMS) designed to track, manage and extend the life of relocatable modular buildings (RMBs). The framework aims to bring stronger lifecycle oversight and greater circularity to modular construction by linking physical modules to a real-time virtual model and adding tools for reuse, relocation and logistics planning.
Key points
- The framework integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enable 3D modelling, sensor-based monitoring and location-driven logistics planning.
- The platform is organised into three layers: physical, digital and service, each supporting different parts of asset management and decision-making.
- A case study focused on a relocatable modular school system in South Korea showed improved module distribution, reuse and management efficiency, with resulting further reductions in operational costs and energy efficiency.
- The work was led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn and includes co-author Dr. Dennis Nguyen; the research was published in the journal Automation in Construction.
What the framework does
The new system connects real-world modules, people and sensors at the physical layer, maps and analyses those assets in the digital layer, and provides tools for monitoring and decision-making in the service layer. In practice this means construction managers can see a virtual copy of each module, receive sensor data about its condition, and run analytics to plan when and where modules should be moved, reused or maintained.
Why this matters
Relocatable modular buildings are built from prefabricated units that can be assembled, dismantled and transported across sites. That flexibility reduces initial costs and can cut environmental impacts compared with conventional construction, but tracking and managing these modules across multiple lifecycles is difficult. The DT-FMS addresses that gap by providing a single platform that records module history, monitors current status, and supports logistics and reuse planning.
How the components work together
The framework combines three technology pillars:
- BIM for 3D modelling of module geometry and design data.
- IoT for real-time sensor inputs on condition, occupancy and environmental factors.
- GIS for location awareness that supports transport routing, site selection and relocation logistics.
Together these elements let operators plan optimal relocation routes, identify modules ready for reuse, and predict maintenance needs so that modules can be kept in service longer and moved where they provide the most value.
Case study results
The development team tested the DT-FMS on a relocatable modular school system. The case study found measurable improvements in distribution and reuse planning and sharper management efficiency. These operational improvements translated to the reported further reductions in operational costs and energy efficiency, according to the study’s results.
Research context and authors
The project was led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn, with contributions from co-author Dr. Dennis Nguyen. The authors describe the DT-FMS as a step toward practical circular economy practices in construction, where modular units can be reused, reconfigured and relocated rather than scrapped. The formal research report appeared in the journal Automation in Construction earlier in the month.
Potential impact
Industry adoption of digital twin tools for modular construction could help reduce waste, extend asset life and lower lifecycle costs. The platform’s focus on real-time data and integrated logistics planning addresses common barriers to large-scale reuse of modular units, including lack of accurate condition data and weak coordination across sites.
Next steps
Further work will likely focus on pilots across more building types, interoperability with existing asset-management systems, and standards for data exchange so modules from different manufacturers can be tracked and reused more easily. The research team suggests that wider deployment could strengthen circular economy outcomes in construction by making reuse and optimal relocation routine parts of project planning.
FAQ
What is a digital twin in this context?
A digital twin here refers to a virtual copy of a physical modular unit that receives live data from sensors and other sources. It mirrors the real object’s condition, location and history to support monitoring and planning.
What are relocatable modular buildings (RMBs)?
RMBs are buildings made from prefabricated modules that can be assembled, dismantled and moved between sites. They are often faster and cheaper to deliver than traditional construction.
How does the DT-FMS improve reuse?
The system records module condition and history, predicts maintenance needs, and uses location data to plan moves. These capabilities make it easier to identify which modules can be reused and how to move them efficiently.
Which technologies are combined in the framework?
The framework links BIM, IoT and GIS to provide 3D models, sensor-based monitoring and location-driven logistics planning.
Where was the research applied?
A case study was carried out on a relocatable modular school system in South Korea to test distribution, reuse and management processes.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| DT-FMS | Digital twin–enabled facility management platform linking real and virtual assets. | Unified lifecycle tracking and better decision support. |
| BIM + IoT + GIS | Integrated 3D models, sensor data and location-aware logistics. | Improved planning, condition monitoring and transport routing. |
| Three-layer architecture | Physical, digital and service layers for field data, modelling and user services. | Clear separation of functions for easier deployment and scaling. |
| Case study: modular school | Real-world trial on a relocatable school system in South Korea. | Showed improved module distribution, reuse and management efficiency and further reductions in operational costs and energy efficiency. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- KoreaTechDesk: E8 – Leading Korea’s digital-twin revolution with deep-tech innovation
- Wikipedia: Digital twin
- GIM International: Seoul Metropolitan Government collaborates on hyper-realistic digital twin project
- Google Search: relocatable modular building
- DroneLife: A model of Korea — the ambitious project to make a digital twin of a country
- Google Scholar: digital twin modular construction
- GeoWeek: Techtree Innovation & Seoul government digital twin project for urban safety services
- Encyclopedia Britannica: modular construction
- PR Newswire: LG Innotek collaborates to drive its digital-twin technology
- Google News: digital twin modular building South Korea
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