Development of a Digital Platform for Optimizing the Circular Supply Chain of Modular Steel Construction

1 October 2021 - 31 December 2024

• Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC)
• Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council

The construction industry plays a crucial role in the nation’s development. Among various forms of construction, a modular steel structure entails several benefits, including its rapid fabrication and installation processes, high quality of the structure, and its conformity with many principles of circular economy (e.g., reuse, recycle, and re-material). Yet, this construction alternative is extremely challenging because it requires the collaboration of every party in the value chain. In addition, it also relies on efficient data and information management. This research project develops a digital platform that can assist in managing relevant data and information as well as analyzing and identifying optimal construction supply chains for modular steel construction projects based on the principles of circular economy. In addition, we develop a data and information transition system among the parties in the construction supply chain. The relevant data and information can be transferred in the form of Building Information Modeling (BIM) models and other types of file (e.g., Industry Foundation Classes or IFC). The proposed digital platform can be used for tracking project progress and facilitating the collaboration among all parties. This system can benefit all participants in modular steel construction projects by enhancing the efficacy of entire operations and supporting their transition to the optimal circular economy.