An Internet of Things-enabled BIM platform for modular integrated construction: A case study in Hong Kong

Abstract

In recent years, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been acting an important role in the delivery of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) project. However, the full potential of BIM to MiC project cannot be realized without accurate information collection, timely information exchange, and automatic decision support throughout the project life cycle. In order to fulfil such requirements, this paper aims to develop an Internet of Things-enabled BIM platform (IBIMP) for the MiC project. A real-life project located in Hong Kong were deeply explored for developing the platform. The IBIMP consists of smart construction objects (SCOs) equipped with smart trinity tag (STT) and GPS sensor, smart gateway system, data source management service, location-based service, rule-based progress control service, as well as decision support services for prefabrication production, transportation, and on-site assembly processes. With the combination of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology and BIM technology, the barriers that hamper the possible functions of BIM can be overcame. By using application scenarios of a subsided sale flats MiC project in Hong Kong as examples, this study demonstrates how problems encountered by independent stakeholders such as inconvenient data collection, lack of automatic decision support, and incomplete information can be addressed by the IBIMP.