Tan, T; Mills, G; Papadonikolaki, E; Li, B and Huang, J (2023) Digital-enabled design for manufacture and assembly (dfma) in offsite construction: A modularity perspective for the product and process integration. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 19(3), pp. 267-282. ISSN 1745-2007
Abstract
This study aims to use modularity to impact various facets of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and explore the relationship between product modularity, process modularity, and DfMA within the context of Offsite Construction (OSC). The study fills this gap through an exploratory single case study by identifying perceptual measures of these three concepts. The study shows the alignment between multi-dimensionality of modularity, such as product modularity and process modularity, enhances the capability of DfMA. From a modularity perspective, the reconfiguration of abstraction, information hiding, and interface is an essential strategy to change the traditional design process. This reconfiguration is to adapt to the new scenarios brought by OSC and digital fabrication technologies and the new design tasks associated with these scenarios. This study has theoretical implications for the modular approach to DfMA and practical implications for those who expect digital fabrication techniques in offsite construction.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | design for manufacture and assembly; design innovation; modular construction; process modularity; product modularity |
| Index terms: | integration, modular construction, reconfiguration, design for manufacture and assembly, design process, case study, modularity, strategy, digital fabrication |
| Subjects: | design methods, data collection methods, organization, design flexibility, information systems, organizational analysis, building construction, manufacturing engineering, management |
| Topics: | Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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