Digital Twin for industrialized production of precast concrete modules based on I4.0

Prefabrication in construction offers several advantages, including reduced construction time and costs, improved quality and consistency, and increased safety on the job site. Additionally, prefabrication allows for greater flexibility in design and can lead to more sustainable construction practices.

However, prefabrication does not imply automation by any means. The production of precast concrete modules is a handcraft-based process with a low degree of automation, causing inefficiencies in the manufacturing process and leading to delays and errors impacting project timelines and budgets.

Applying Industry 4.0 (I4.0) concepts can help automate and optimize precast module production, enabling increased precision, efficiency, and customization. The digital twin is a virtual replication of an asset and the core data and information management concept in I4.0, enabling manufacturers to identify and resolve potential issues before production begins. This results are improved efficiency and reduced waste. Therefore, I am developing a digital twin for precast concrete modules to support the industrialized production of precast concrete modules.