Feature modeling for configurable and adaptable modular buildings

Abstract

Current design approaches for new buildings do not sufficiently plan for or adapt to changing conditions that could be used to extend the useful life of buildings, as part of a circular economy. While notable advances have emerged for using BIM-based configurators to improve building design and project execution, there is a need expand such configurators to look at how buildings can be adapted and re-configured across their lifecycle. This paper develops and demonstrates an innovative feature modeling approach for configuring and adapting modular buildings. This study uses BIM for structuring intricate feature relationships of specific design aspects in terms of product circularity. The design aspects considered are structural design, dimensional variation control, and disassembly planning design. Feature parameter maps, which are a general constraint relation representation, are implemented to describe the data models since they are an efficient way to visualize feature elements and interdependencies, to avoid the creation of redundant information, and to improve data structure consistency. The application of the proposed methodology is validated with a functional demonstration of a conceptual design and optimization for a single module that is meant to be part of a modular construction project. The product model was synthesized in a parametric BIM environment for iterative configuration, analysis of results, and final optimization of the single module assembly. The demonstration case study shows that BIM can be adapted to assist on modeling specific design aspects for modular buildings and to create design alternatives. Also, the method shows a considerable benefit that the designer can produce diverse accurate design alternatives within a reduced amount of time.