Introduction:
Modern digital-oriented modular construction methods allow the attainment of sustainability through climate-neutral solutions. Research needs more work to implement AI while achieving nZEB specifications, enhancing the circularity of materials and developing off-grid modular communities. The solution to these essential obstacles represents a fundamental requirement for developing sustainable construction practices. This analysis focuses on the identified knowledge gaps where digital instruments together with automatic systems and sustainable design elements serve to minimize theoretical-to-practical gaps.
Background Context:
Integration of BIM and AI: While the use of BIM is widespread, especially in the construction industry, the integration of AI for sustainability assessment has not been fully addressed. More work is needed to improve the current applications of AI in modular construction for enhanced sustainability performance [1].
nZEB Implementation: Passive design and renewable energy systems are now more developed, but there is virtually no research on implementing the nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standards. Research should be focused on the gap between the theory or and practice of energy-efficient buildings [1].
Material Circularity: Sustainable modular construction is dependent on material circularity; however, there is limited research on full-scale modular deconstruction. Even though recycling is possible, optimal strategies for a circular economy in construction require additional investigation [1].
Suggested Research Topics
- AI-driven sustainability assessment frameworks for modular construction.
- Strategies for achieving nZEB compliance in modular buildings.
- Real-world implementation of material circularity in modular deconstruction.
- Digital technologies enabling off-grid modular housing solutions.
Potential Implications
- With the integration of AI, sustainability assessments will be easy with energy performance, material use, and life cycle consequences in modular construction.
- For modular buildings meeting nZEB compliance, reducing carbon footprints takes one step closer to energy-efficient housing solutions.
- These can help deploying digital tools for off-grid modular housing to enhance self-sufficient communities, with opportunities for improved energy management and resource use.
Initial Reading Suggestions
- Brozovsky, J., Labonnote, N., & Vigren, O. (2024). Digital technologies in architecture, engineering, and construction. Automation in Construction, 158, 105212.
- Smith, R. E. (2009). History of prefabrication: A cultural survey. Proceedings of the Third International Congress on Construction History, Cottbus, Germany, 1355–1364.
- Staib, G., Dörrhöfer, A., & Rosenthal, M. (2008). Components and systems: Modular construction design, structure, new technologies. Birkhäuser.
- Wuni, I. Y., & Shen, G. Q. (2020). Barriers to the adoption of modular integrated construction: Systematic review and meta-analysis, integrated conceptual framework, and strategies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 249, 119347.
Research Topic 1: Limited Integration of AI in Modular Construction
Background:
Since AI applications in modular construction are still in their infancy, their potential to improve sustainability performance is currently limited. In the same vein, BIM has not yet incorporated AI-based energy simulations, material takeoffs, and lifecycle assessments, which tends to make an impact on sustainability. Data-driven decision-making process towards sustainable development is therefore constrained [1].
Suggested Research Question:
How would you define the role of AI-driven predictive models when referring to improving energy efficiency in modular buildings over their entire life span?
Which international challenges and motivating factors have emerged over time in determining AI gain in sustainability assessments in modular construction?
In what ways can AI-driven automation facilitate selection and waste handling in modular construction contracts?
Suggested Methodologies:
- Systematic literature review on AI in construction sustainability.
- Case studies of AI-based sustainability assessments.
- Machine learning algorithms for energy and material optimization.
Potential Implication:
Improved Sustainability Assessments – Artificial Intelligence enables better lifecycle assessments regarding modular construction materials and energy that results in enhanced efficiency in resource utilization.
More Efficient Waste Management – Circular economy benefits from AI predictive models to lower material waste and thus enhance efficient waste management in modular construction.
Initial Reading Suggestions:
Brozovsky, J., Labonnote, N., & Vigren, O. (2024). Digital technologies in architecture, engineering, and construction. Automation in Construction, 158, 105212.
Wuni, I. Y., & Shen, G. Q. (2020). Barriers to the adoption of modular integrated construction. Journal of Cleaner Production, 249, 119347.
Research Topic 2: Challenges in Achieving Nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) Standards
Background:
The nZEB standards are currently unattainable in modular construction, owing to an attitude that emphasizes passive designs and renewable energy. Only a few studies have addressed energy efficiency designs but not the actual field implementation. Hence, more research is needed to implement nZEB designs [1].
Suggested Research Question:
What does modular design corpus innovation mean to nZEB compliance mechanisms in overcoming both technical and financial barriers?
How do AI and IoT-based energy management systems enhance the operational performance of nZEB modular buildings?
What policies and financial incentives are most effective in hastening the adoption of nZEB in modular construction?
Suggested Methodologies:
- Energy performance simulations on modular buildings.
- Comparative analysis of successful nZEB modular projects.
- Field experiments studying renewable energy integration of modular housing.
Potential Implication:
Optimized Energy Efficiency – Real-time performance benefits from IoT and AI technologies in energy management systems which lowers the energy usage in modular nZEB buildings.
Accelerated Adoption – The adoption of modular construction benefits from strategic policies and financial incentives that enable investments for nZEB compliance.
Initial Reading Suggestions:
- Staib, G., Dörrhöfer, A., & Rosenthal, M. (2008). Components and systems: Modular construction design, structure, new technologies. Birkhäuser.
- Lu, W., Tan, T., Xu, J., Wang, J., Chen, K., Gao, S., & Xue, F. (2021). Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) in construction. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 17, 77–91.
Research Topic 3: Limited Material Circularity in Modular Construction
Background:
Although material circularity is currently underutilized, it has the potential to be utilized in modular construction. Despite some research into material reuse, real-world modular deconstruction projects based on circular economy principles remain extremely small. There is a lack of research about effective methods for reuse and recycling to maximize sustainability in the industry [1].
Suggested Research Question:
What are the best deconstruction techniques for maximizing material recovery in modular buildings?
How can blockchain and digital tracking systems promote material reuse and circular economy adoption in modular construction?
What financial and environmental advantages does standardization of modular components offer in terms of improving material circularity?
Suggested Methodologies:
- Life cycle assessment of modular deconstruction schemes.
- Case studies of material reuse in prefabrication.
- Experimental studies of circular economy frameworks in modular construction.
Potential Implication:
Enhanced Resource Efficiency – Improved deconstruction processes and digital tracking will minimize waste and maximize material reuse in modular construction.
Economic and Environmental Gains – Standardized modular components reduce costs and carbon footprints, leading to more readily adopted sustainable large-scale circular economy approaches.
Initial Reading Suggestions:
- Carbone, C. (2019). The kit of parts as medium and message for developing post-war dwellings. History of Postwar Architecture, 4, 54–74.
- Delgado, J. M. P. Q., Guimarães, A. S., Poças Martins, J., et al. (2023). BIM and BEM interoperability in modular housing. Energies, 16, 1579.
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