Ramaji, I J and Memari, A M (2016) Product architecture model for multistory modular buildings. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 142(10): 04016047, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
The modular building construction method is the industry's effort for industrialization of building construction. Similar to other types of production, a product information model is required for lifecycle information management of modular buildings. In this research, the mutual hierarchy of typical multistory modular systems is identified and represented in a product architecture model (PAM). This provides the industry with an information model required for industrial design of this type of construction. Since modular construction is neither as heavily project-based as conventional construction methods nor as significantly mass-produced as manufactured products, none of the current information management frameworks in manufacturing and construction industries are necessarily capable of addressing the needs of such projects. In the research reported here, this need is addressed by development of a product PAM for the most conventional modular systems. The PAM represents the hierarchy of modular building components along with their interactions, functionality, and attributes. This paper initially reviews major types of modular systems, and then focuses on the development methodology, validation, architecture, and content of the PAM. This is followed by an explanation of its different uses, including extension of the current construction industry's information management frameworks and platforms such as building information modeling (BIM) to support modular construction and providing a basis for product-base design of such buildings.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building information modeling; information exchange; information technologies; level of development; modular building; prefabrication; product architecture model; product lifecycle management |
| Index terms: | building information modelling, modular building, platform, product information, lifecycle, construction industry, prefabrication, product architecture model, interaction, functionality, building construction, industrialization, information exchange, construction method, methodology, modular construction, modular building component, validation, level of development, information technology |
| Subjects: | computing systems, innovation studies, data science, project delivery, design features, modelling and simulation, digital design, professional development, design practice, manufacturing engineering, economic development, research methods, industry analysis, information systems, behavioral psychology, building construction |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Project Management, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Site Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here