In recent years, the emergence of advanced information technology and artificial intelligence has significantly advanced the construction industry, leading to a new era characterized by intelligent construction. Prefabricated buildings, distinguished by their standard components, have emerged as a crucial factor in this evolution, demonstrating rapid growth. Intelligent construction embodies a groundbreaking methodology integrating advanced information technology with engineering construction techniques. An essential technical challenge involves efficiently integrating the ‘physical’ and ‘digital’ domains within prefabricated structures. This paper explores the integration of digital twin (DT) technology within the intelligent construction of prefabricated buildings. DTs offer real-time connectivity between digital and physical construction environments, supporting adaptive decision making and enhanced collaboration. The state-of-the-art literature is reviewed, a structured DT framework is proposed and applications in hoisting management, safety and predictive analytics are examined. The study provides strategic insights into advancing Construction 4.0 by addressing scientific challenges that hinder the transition to intelligent construction and establishing a theoretical foundation for this transformation.
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1 September 2025
Research Article|
August 15 2025
Research on the intelligent construction of prefabricated building based on digital twin
Yafeng Wen
School of Intelligent Construction,
Fuzhou University of International Studies and Trade
, Fuzhou, PR China
Corresponding author Yafeng Wen (wenyafeng@fzfu.edu.cn)
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Corresponding author Yafeng Wen (wenyafeng@fzfu.edu.cn)
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Received:
May 13 2025
Accepted:
June 25 2025
Online ISSN: 1751-7702
Print ISSN: 0965-0911
© 2025 Emerald Publishing Limited
2025
Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Structures and Buildings (2025) 178 (9): 851–863.
Article history
Received:
May 13 2025
Accepted:
June 25 2025
Citation
Wen Y (2025), "Research on the intelligent construction of prefabricated building based on digital twin". Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Structures and Buildings, Vol. 178 No. 9 pp. 851–863, doi: https://doi.org/10.1680/jstbu.25.00086
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