Integrating Building Information Modeling and Prefabrication Housing Production

Abstract

The decision-making system in Prefabrication Housing Production (PHP) lacks efficiency and collaboration because relevant information is stored and managed in heterogeneous systems of various stakeholders, who are commonly geographically isolated. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has advantages of combining its object-oriented attributes and the production-oriented characteristics of PHP to support decision-making and collaborative working for raising working efficiency. Given the emerging recognition of BIM and PHP, an integrated conceptual framework based on existing studies is needed in order to facilitate their recognition and guide future research. Based on a critical review of 65 papers published in the peer-reviewed journals from 2005 to 2017, a conceptual framework is proposed for the integration of BIM and PHP. The framework involves three pillars, including smart BIM platform (SBP), smart work packages (SWPs), and smart PHP objects (SPOs). A gateway with interoperability function is created between the three pillars to facilitate the communication and interaction with the central database. The results can help develop the system architecture of BIM and PHP, which can then be used to benefit various stakeholders to facilitate the integration.