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2023 Vol.14, Issue 2 Preview Page

General Article

The implication of digital twin technology toward improving the perception of modular houses in Australia
Ki Pyung Kim1*
,
Tobias Connolly2
,
Stefan Ryschka2
,
Abdollah Dosky2
,
Alexander Stefanopoulos2
1Senior Lecturer, UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
2Research Associate, UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
*Corresponding Author
30 June 2023. pp. 285-296
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Abstract

The modular construction method is recognised as a cheaper, faster, safer, and more sustainable way to deliver buildings and infrastructures. Despite the benefits of the modular construction method, its uptake is low and slow in Australia compared to other countries. Various reasons for the low uptake in the construction industry are identified based on the construction professionals’ perspectives. However, the public perceptions toward modular construction have not been identified. To improve public perceptions, researchers recognised digital twin technologies, which is Building Information Modelling (BIM) among other technologies - as a potential solution to the current situation. However, the current public perception and the implication of BIM toward modular construction have been rarely researched. The research aims to explore if the use of BIM can improve public perceptions of modular construction and clients’ willingness to invest in a modular house. Research reveals that 52% of participants are aware of modular construction. However, the participants perceive a modular house as a container box with a kitchen and bathroom. Increasing design flexibility and customisation options are recognised as essential for improving the current perceptions. BIM is recognised as an essential digital twin technology to improve perceptions and increase clients’ willingness to invest in a modular house. Real-time design change with interactions between clients and construction professionals as well as an immersive virtual walkthrough experience inside a modular house are identified as the most influential functions of BIM that can improve the willingness of the public to adopt a modular house.

Keywords
modular construction
digital twin
BIM
modular house
offsite construction
perception
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Information
  • Publisher :Sustainable Building Research Center (ERC) Innovative Durable Building and Infrastructure Research Center
  • Publisher(Ko) :건설구조물 내구성혁신 연구센터
  • Journal Title :International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development
  • Volume : 14
  • No :2
  • Pages :285-296
  • Received Date : 2023-06-08
  • Accepted Date : 2023-06-23
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.22712/susb.20230021
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