Integrated Multi-Dimensional Building Information Modelling (I-BIM) Platform for Modular and Sustainable Construction

Modular construction (MC) is considered a greener and more sustainable construction and is obligatory for measuring the project’s sustainability. MC is a building process in which modules are fabricated in a factory and then installed onsite. Although MC is popular in developed countries, its uses are still very limited in developing countries. This study aims to introduce a model to promote the adoption of MC by analysing the relationship between critical success factors (CSFs) and their enablers, as well as modular construction adoption (MCA), for housing projects in developing countries to reach the MC benefits. This aim is accomplished through three main phases. The first phase is the exploratory phase that used to determines MC's CSFs, enablers, and benefits through a comprehensive literature review. The second phase is the descriptive-explanatory phase, which used a questionnaire survey strategy to evaluate the significance of these CSFs and their enablers. The questionnaire survey was conducted with building specialists in the Egyptian construction industry. The third phase is the structural equation modelling (SEM) phase using partial least square (PLS) method that used to test the correlations between the CSFs and MCA using the measurement and structural models. The findings pointed out that the CSFs significantly impacted the MCA by 62.1%, which considered a moderate effect. The contribution of the study provides policymakers and other project stakeholders with a roadmap for implementing MC in developing countries, including Egypt and the support needed to focus on the benefits of MCA that could take place in their current or future projects.

Purpose The construction industry is tasked with creating sustainable, efficient and cost-effective buildings. This study aims to develop a building information modeling (BIM)-based multiobjective optimization (MOO) model integrating the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III) to enhance sustainability. The goal is to reduce embodied energy and cost in the design process. Design/methodology/approach Through a case study research method, this study uses BIM, NSGA-III and real-world data in five phases: literature review, identification of factors, BIM model development, MOO model creation and validation in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors. Findings The innovative BIM-based MOO model optimizes embodied energy and cost to achieve sustainable construction. A commercial building case study validation showed a reduction of 30% in embodied energy and 21% in cost. This study validates the model’s effectiveness in integrating sustainability goals, enhancing decision-making, collaboration, efficiency and providing superior assessment. Practical implications This model delivers a unified approach to sustainable design, cutting carbon footprint and strengthening the industry’s ability to attain sustainable solutions. It holds potential for broader application and future integration of social and economic factors. Originality/value The research presents a novel BIM-based MOO model, uniquely focusing on sustainable construction with embodied energy and cost considerations. This holistic and innovative framework extends existing methodologies applicable to various buildings and paves the way for additional research in this area.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) plays a very significant role in the construction industry, especially in project management decision-making and data integration efforts during the preliminary planning and design stage. This is aligned with the National Construction Policy (NCP 2030) by the Ministry of Work Malaysia, highlighting that it is timely for the construction industry players to move towards sustainability. BIM must be implemented to ensure the smooth delivery of sustainable housing construction projects in Malaysia due to its critical role in assisting in construction cost optimisation, green building implementation, minimising environmental impact, and waste reduction. However, the BIM implementation rate in Malaysia is still minimal due to the challenges in its execution. Therefore, this paper is aimed to propose BIM’s critical strategies in the development of Malaysian sustainable housing construction projects as envisaged in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). A thorough systematic literature review and questionnaire survey of fifty (50) BIM players in housing construction projects in Malaysia shows that from sixteen (16) BIM strategies, three (3) items are identified as critically important strategies, whereas another five (5) items are identified as important strategies. The outcome of the study shall benefit the construction industry players who are involved in the sustainable housing construction project and mainly drives the Public Work Department (PWD) BIM Strategic Plan 2021–2025, thus supporting the earlier mentioned NCP 2030 agenda by the Ministry of Work Malaysia.

Towards sustainable construction: BIM-enabled design and planning of roof sheathing installation for prefabricated buildings

Modular construction is increasingly recognized as a transformative approach to addressing sustainability challenges in the construction industry. This study evaluates the environmental, economic, and operational benefits of modular construction compared to conventional building practices, with Suraksha Smart City in Vasai serving as a case study. The findings highlight that modular construction significantly reduces material waste, carbon emissions, and energy consumption while enhancing cost efficiency through precision manufacturing and resource optimization. Additionally, modular construction aligns with circular economy principles by promoting material reuse and recycling, contributing to broader sustainability goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite its advantages, challenges such as high initial costs, transportation logistics, and standardization constraints must be addressed to facilitate its wider adoption. The study emphasizes the need for supportive policy frameworks, technological advancements, and industry collaboration to scale modular construction effectively and maximize its potential in sustainable urban development. Suraksha Smart City demonstrates how modular techniques can bridge the gap between rapid urbanization and environmental responsibility, paving the way for greener and more resilient urban infrastructure.

Improper component management remains as a significant issue in modular construction, causing material loss, supply delays, defects from poor storage, lack of real-time monitoring and data inconsistencies. These challenges undermine the full potential of modular construction. With emerging technologies, the integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) offers promising solutions. However, the extent to which RFID–BIM workflows have been studied and applied in modular construction remains unclear. To address this gap, this study conducts a systematic review using the PRISMA methodology, focusing on peer-reviewed publications up to 2025 indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, complemented by IEEE Xplore and full-text retrieval from ScienceDirect. All database searches were done and completed on 18 June 2025, to maintain consistency across data sources. Studies were selected based on predefined criteria, targeting those addressing RFID, BIM and modular construction workflows. In this study, workflow refers to the integrated process connecting both digital and physical domains. It includes the digital flow of information between RFID systems, BIM models and databases, alongside on-site tasks such as tagging, scanning, visualization, transport and assembly of prefabricated components. In accordance with these criteria, 27 articles were finalised for detailed review. A bibliometric analysis was undertaken using VOSviewer 1.6.20, encompassing keyword co-occurrence, co-authorship network, co-citation and bibliographic coupling analyses. Thematic analysis identified key themes on RFID–BIM practices, further organised across lifecycle phases to show how they unfold throughout the modular construction process. Quantitative analysis of thematic occurrences identified workflow integration (81.5%) as the most frequently addressed topic, followed by implementation requirements (40.7%), component management (37.0%), proven outcomes of BIM-RFID implementation (33.3%) and challenges of BIM-RFID implementation (14.8%).

- Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative enabler for modular steel construction by providing parametric modelling, coordinated detailing, digital fabrication integration, and 4D construction sequencing. Modular steel systems require high accuracy in design, fabrication, logistics, and assembly, making BIM indispensable for reducing rework, improving coordination, and enabling just-in-time production. This paper examines the integration of BIM within modular steel construction, focusing on prefabrication accuracy, clash-free detailing, sequencing simulation, and digital manufacture. The study includes a comprehensive literature review, a methodology grounded in BIM-enabled workflows, and analysis of two major case studies Chennai International Airport Terminal T2 and Shanghai Tower. Findings indicate that BIM significantly improves productivity, reduces site conflicts, minimizes waste, and enhances assembly predictability, particularly in the Indian context where BIM adoption faces challenges such as limited skills, high costs, and low SME readiness. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for India’s modular steel industry and outlines future research directions. Key Words: Building Information Modelling (BIM), Modular Steel Construction, Prefabrication, Digital Fabrication, 4D BIM, Clash Detection, SMEs, Coordination, Steel Structures

The global construction industry is observing a significant revolution towards faster, cost-effective, and sustainable building techniques, with modular construction at the lead. This practice comprises off-site construction of building components, leveraging factory-controlled atmospheres to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and minimize on-site labor challenges. Prefabrication in contemporary architecture and civil infrastructure has been energized by innovations in digital design tools, Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotic manufacturing, and sustainable materials. These developments address current encounters such as housing deficiencies, rapid urbanization, labor shortage, and environmental dilapidation. The significance of modular construction has been highlighted during global disorders like the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the significance of speediness and scalability in edifice. Modular construction methods, comprising panelized (2D), volumetric (3D), hybrid, kit-of-parts, and sub-component assembly, offer benefits such as faster construction timelines, better-quality control, and reduced on-site waste likened to traditional approaches. However, challenges such as site-specific limitations, lack of technical know-how, transport logistics, upfront design complication, public observation, and controlling compliance delay the prevalent acceptance of modular construction. Integrating software engineering, such as design optimization using Python, logistics optimization through route optimization algorithms, and manufacturing automation with control systems, can improve prefabrication procedures through automation and optimization. These technologies can modernize processes, advance efficiency, and address key challenges confronted in modular construction. Overall, with the right approaches and investments, modular construction has the possible to transform building design and delivery practices globally.

The tendency toward sustainable construction development becomes more obvious than ever before. In this paper, from introduction to the sustainable design progress which is fundamental to consider some key concepts about how green design strategies formed, to PepsiCo set a better practice in Chongqing for sustainable design and how to connect with building information modeling to achieve the most sustainable solution for the first green plant in China, the prospective building information modeling will be a coordinated, consistent, computable system interactive with key building information, environmental information, client requirements and collaboration so that design integration and data return among all systems is immediate and systemic. Based on this point, building information modeling could be implemented well and gain high performance in sustainable construction industry.

The industrialization of the construction industry, driven by 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), is revolutionizing the sector by enabling the creation of complex structural elements without the need for formwork, resulting in reduced material usage and increased precision. Despite challenges such as the mechanical strength of materials and the need for adequate reinforcement, the ongoing search for design solutions is overcoming these barriers. The combination of 3DCP with Building Information Modeling (BIM) promises to reduce costs and waste, optimizing processes from the design phase to execution. Modular construction standardizes components, allowing for greater quality control and agility in production, making it a viable solution for emergency housing and accommodation for vulnerable populations. The path to the effective, productive, and sustainable implementation of off-site concrete 3D printing systems is not yet fully defined. This article aims to present what has been done with modular construction applied to 3D printing. For this purpose, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify the state of the art of Off-site Construction applied to 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP). Nine articles were selected based on selection criteria, which provide important guidelines and insights for the creation of a modular construction project for 3D in the country. The results also highlighted the need for in-depth studies on the subject and the customization of modules for each application, as well as the need to understand the connections between these modules. This article establishes a theoretical foundation that guides future research for the design and implementation of these systems in local construction industries.

Due to the inherent inefficiencies in conventional approaches followed in the construction industry and the global demand for lean and sustainable construction techniques, modular construction has witnessed a resurge especially in high-rise buildings. As such, much efforts have been put in studying the use of mass timber for the main structure of high-rise buildings in order to ensure more sustainable developments with high levels of adaptability. In this regard, previous research efforts have primarily focused on the added benefits of mass timber, its structural design and performance, and associated safety requirements. However, owing to the novelty in combining modular processes with timber materials and associated lack of data, several regulatory barriers and contractual issues still exist. To mitigate these issues, this paper studies the specifics of permit approvals and contracting issues in timber high-rise modular buildings. The objective is to develop a comprehensive up-to-date review and analysis of the relevant practices and to conduct interviews with industry experts to analyze their concerns, given the insufficient number of guides and building codes that dealt with these issues. Hence, our study investigates the process of obtaining permit approvals from local jurisdictions in Ontario in addition to the requirements for submission of additional documentation, engineering analysis, and testing. Moreover, it analyzes the initial stage of contractual agreement of stakeholders under the uncertainties imposed on these buildings and evaluates the suitability of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contracting method. Presenting detailed analysis of the initial planning stages for timber high-rise modular buildings can in turn suggest the best practices to be taken into consideration for the successful implementation of these buildings under the current building code.

Successful implementation of Building Information Model (BIM) -based modular construction projects is not always guaranteed in different regions and their associated contexts, because success depends heavily on combinations of multiple conditions, including technological, political, social and cultural, and economic ones. Such difference in conditions often hinders a successful modular construction company in a region from continuing its success in other regions; however, understanding the complex causality between the conditions and the success in implementation from previous BIM-based modular construction cases is very challenging because (1) each case omits some conditions and focuses too much on others, which makes the comparison difficult, and (2) cases are insufficient in number for dealing with various conditions, i.e., a small-N or intermediate-N situation. To address this problem, based on the review of previous case studies and modular construction theories, this paper classifies and defines nine condition variables that can be utilized in developing and analyzing BIM-based modular construction cases more comprehensively and systematically. This paper then discusses how the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach can be used to find sufficient and necessary combinations of conditions for successful BIM-based modular construction projects. Upon successful completion, the QCA approach will contribute more structured and generalized explanations of success and failure in BIM-based modular construction to the industrialized construction theory.

Value engineering (VE) is a systematic approach to optimizing cost efficiency while maintaining or enhancing the quality of construction projects. In the pre-construction phase, VE is critical in balancing budget constraints and project requirements by identifying innovative design, materials, and process solutions. This paper explores the fundamentals of VE, its implementation in pre-construction, and its transformative impact on project outcomes. Modern technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence (AI) are highlighted for their contributions to improving VE processes. The discussion also addresses challenges, ethical considerations, and best practices to ensure transparency and sustainability in VE applications. VE establishes itself as an indispensable tool in modern construction management by focusing on function-driven solutions and long-term value. Keywords — Value Engineering, Pre-Construction, Cost Control, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Sustainable Construction, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, Project Management, Cost-Quality Balance, Construction Technology, Ethical Considerations.

Sustainable construction seeks to integrate social, economic, and environmental objectives throughout a project’s lifecycle. In developing countries, this process is hindered by limited technology, inefficient manpower, and resource mismanagement within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. This study investigates the potential of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to address these challenges and promote sustainable construction practices. A mixed-method research approach was adopted, combining an extensive literature review with a case study on sustainable building practices in Bangladesh. BIM-based tools such as ArchiCAD, Tekla, Solibri Model Checker, and Revit were utilized to evaluate building performance, energy efficiency, and cost optimization. The findings reveal that BIM integration can reduce construction waste, improve collaboration across project phases, and enhance energy efficiency through better material selection and lifecycle planning. Cost-benefit analysis demonstrated a potential reduction in construction and maintenance costs by 15–40%, with a high return on investment and shorter payback period compared to traditional methods. The study concludes that BIM offers a viable pathway to achieving economic, environmental, and social sustainability in the construction industry of developing countries, provided that adequate training, policy support, and technological infrastructure are implemented.

China’s construction industry is an important driving force for the development of society. Nevertheless, with the recent new normal of economic development, traditional construction approaches cannot meet the requirements of socialist modernization and sustainable construction. As such, the development of the construction industry needs to match the recent developmental concept of green environmental protection. Therefore, China’s construction industry needs to explore innovative development paths of transformation and upgrading. Recently, the Chinese government has been vigorously promoting building information modeling (BIM) applications. However, in the real-world construction process, BIM applications have not achieved their expected impacts. To satisfy the practical demands, this research uses the social network analysis method to analyze the key hindering factors in order to clarify the significance and influencing mechanism of each factor. The current study identified 12 key hindering factors that impede the development of BIM applications in China’s construction industry. The results show that a lack of policy guidance and the restriction of relevant laws are the most critical hindering factors. This research contributes to the research of the hindering factors of BIM applications in China and can assist decision makers in formulating appropriate strategies to promote the application and development of information BIM technology in China’s construction industry.