Search Results (35)

The objective of this article is to evaluate the viability of implementing the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) methodology in the design and construction of complex wooden structures with non-standard geometry. The present study incorporates an analysis of scientific literature from 2011 to 2024, in addition to selected case studies of buildings constructed using glued laminated timber and engineered wood prefabrication technology. The selection of examples was based on a range of criteria, including geometric complexity, the level of integration of digital tools (BIM, CAM, parametric design), and the efficiency of assembly processes. The implementation of DfMA principles has been shown to result in a reduction in material waste by 15–25% and a reduction in assembly time by approximately 30% when compared to traditional construction methods. The findings of the present study demonstrate that the concurrent integration of design, production, and assembly in the timber construction process enhances energy efficiency, curtails embodied carbon emissions, and fosters the adoption of circular economy principles. The analysis also reveals key implementation barriers, such as insufficient digital skills, lack of standardization, and limited availability of prefabrication facilities. The article under scrutiny places significant emphasis on the pivotal role of DfMA in facilitating the digital transformation of timber architecture and propelling sustainable construction development in the context of the circular economy. The conclusions of the study indicate a necessity for further research to be conducted on quantitative life cycle assessment (LCA, LCC) and on the implementation of DfMA on both a national and international scale. Full article

The persistent fragmentation of the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry drives the pursuit of advanced and unified construction solutions. This study investigated the limited understanding and adoption of one of these solutions, the platform approach to design for manufacturing and assembly (P-DfMA) within the AEC industry. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 design professionals from China and the UK to understand how they utilize this approach. Governmental policy documents were also analyzed to examine how they hinder or facilitate the adoption of P-DfMA. The results were mapped using the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. Challenges and adoption considerations were identified by a thematic analysis, supported by text-mining results from Voyant Tools, with the most frequent keywords visualized in charts. The findings indicate that P-DfMA adoption is conceptually fragmented within the AEC industry, with a gap between theory and practice. Technical limitations in organizational structuring and environmental misalignment hinder adoption. Challenges and considerations span five domains: design, digital, financial and procurement, organizational, and sustainability. This research offers novel insights gained by integrating multi-layered analyses of construction practice interviews and policy perspectives within the TOE framework, along with timely insights into the socio-technical dynamics shaping the future of the industry. Full article

Currently, the global construction industry is facing challenges of stagnant efficiency and cost overruns. The potential of modular construction has not been fully unleashed due to the disconnection between design and manufacturing. This paper proposes a P-DFMA (Platform-Design for Manufacture and Assembly) building product platform architecture for modular apartments. The research establishes a three-level standardization framework of “modular unit-component-connector”, covering core residential modules, light steel keel systems, and high-strength bolt joints. Finite element simulation using SimSolid is employed to ensure manufacturing feasibility, and a standardized component library and a full-process collaborative P-DFMA architecture for modular apartments are developed. Verified through the case of the modular dormitory building project at Tianjin Chengjian University, the results show that compared with the traditional prefabricated construction mode, the P-DFMA platform mode achieves a cost savings rate of 54.8% in project design, production, and cross-link collaboration. This proves the feasibility and architectural advantages of the platform in improving the full-process efficiency and optimizing costs of modular buildings. Full article

With the advancement of building industrialization and sustainable development, modular demountable buildings, as an efficient and environmentally friendly form, show significant potential in scenarios such as emergency housing and rural construction. However, they face issues including insufficient component adaptability, low demounting efficiency, and low integration level. Based on the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) theory, this paper proposes solutions and takes M-Box1.0 as a case study to explore design strategies from four dimensions: product modularization, logistics optimization, rationality of demounting, and component integration. The results show that M-Box1.0 has excellent ventilation and lighting performance. Compared with similar products on the market, it has fewer parts and lower costs. Moreover, it reduces construction waste through prefabrication and demountable connections. This study clarifies the advantages of DFMA-oriented design and has practical significance for promoting the efficient and energy-saving development of building industrialization. Full article

Wearable walking and standing aids have emerged as promising assistive technology devices to support elderly people in promoting mobility for sustainable healthy ageing. However, there is lack of research in this area, which necessitates the present work. In this study, a wearable walking and standing aid was developed for elderly people using the Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) method, and the device was tested for its effectiveness based on lifting capability. Through a series of engineering design processes, including conceptual design, detailed design, simulation, analysis, fabrication, and assembly, a prototype was developed and tested. The results reveal that the prototype, which supports thighs and calves, is capable of helping the user to stand and sit. The experimental results indicated a lifting capability surpassing the expected theoretical model by almost 43%. Nevertheless, several recommendations are suggested to further improve the prototype in an effort to develop a more effective and reliable wearable walking and standing aid for elderly people. Full article

Rapid urbanisation and population growth call for more Industrialised Construction (IC) as a swifter, safer, higher-quality and affordable means of delivering housing and infrastructure. Meanwhile, rising global temperatures and extreme weather patterns call for immediate action to combat environmental degradation. The Building Construction Industry (BCI) is a leading contributor to global resource extraction and waste generation, posing a significant threat to our environment and planet. Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA) is an overarching design framework that synergises circularity (Design for Circularity (DfC)) and modularity (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA)) by enhancing their shared values. This study explores the functional apparatus of DfCMA by identifying 21 DfMA constructs and 20 DfC constructs in the BCI through a rigorous literature review, first analysed descriptively, followed by Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) of the initial findings from a suitably focused questionnaire survey. The study findings confirm the significance of applying the 41 constructs above in advancing the concept of DfCMA in the BCI. This study thus adds value to research and practice, exploring the underlying mechanism of this novel DfCMA concept, which synergises two imperatives, promoting a Circular Economy (CE) and DfMA principles and practices in IC. Full article

The construction sector significantly contributes to global environmental degradation through intensive resource extraction, high energy consumption, and substantial waste generation. Addressing this unsustainable trajectory requires integrated approaches that simultaneously improve operational efficiency and material circularity. Lean Construction (LC) and Circular Economy (CE) offer complementary frameworks for enhancing process performance and reducing environmental impacts. However, their combined implementation remains underdeveloped and fragmented. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025, selected using PRISMA 2020 guidelines and sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases. A mixed-method approach combines bibliometric mapping and qualitative content analysis to investigate how LC and CE are jointly operationalized in construction contexts. The findings reveal that LC improves cost, time, and workflow reliability, while CE enables reuse, modularity, and lifecycle extension. Integration is further supported by digital tools—such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), and digital twins—which enhance traceability and flow optimization. Nonetheless, persistent barriers—including supply chain fragmentation, lack of standards, and regulatory gaps—continue to constrain widespread adoption. This review identifies six strategic enablers for LC-CE integration: crossdisciplinary competencies, collaborative governance, interoperable digital systems, standardized indicators, incentive-based regulation, and pilot demonstrator projects. By consolidating fragmented evidence, the study provides a structured research agenda and practical insights to guide the transition toward more circular, efficient, and sustainable construction practices. Full article

Improving resource efficiency by reducing waste and process inefficiencies across the building life cycle is essential for advancing sustainability in the built environment. Circular and industrialized construction offer complementary strategies to meet this challenge. While Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) enhances constructability, standardization, and productivity in early project phases, Design for Disassembly (DfD) facilitates material recovery and adaptability at end-of-life. Despite their synergies, their integrated application remains underexplored. This study proposes a unified framework—Design for Manufacturing, Assembly, and Disassembly (DfMAD)—to align value creation and value retention strategies across the life cycle. A systematic literature review of 102 articles, following PRISMA guidelines, combined bibliometric and thematic analysis to identify key principles, benefits, barriers, and enablers of DfMA and DfD. Cross-mapping these findings revealed conceptual overlaps and distinctions and informed the synthesis of core DfMAD attributes. The resulting framework offers a life cycle-oriented approach that supports product-based delivery, traceability, and circular design strategies. By promoting shared logic across disciplines and project phases, DfMAD provides a foundation for operationalizing circularity in industrialized construction, contributing both theoretical and practical guidance for advancing resource-efficient, adaptable, and disassemblable building systems. Full article

Modular construction provides numerous benefits over traditional methods, especially when combined with digital technologies, offering a faster, safer, leaner, and more sustainable construction environment. This literature review follows the PRISMA method to assess recent advancements in digital-oriented modular construction towards a sustainable and climate-neutral built environment, identifying research trends and gaps based on three pillars: digital tools, building solutions, and environmental sustainability. This review examines the integration of digital technologies with modular construction methods, extending the analysis to circular and bioclimatic efforts, renewable energy sources, and passive building design strategies. While most articles focus on BIM uses, there is an increasing emphasis on IoT applications that leverage real-time data to achieve sustainability goals. However, no full-scale automated Digital Twin was found in this context. Additionally, Building Energy Modelling (BEM) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools are frequently discussed, reflecting the push for climate-friendly housing. Despite the interest in parametric and generative design, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence applications for sustainable modular construction strategies remains underexplored. Only a few papers acknowledged reaching nZEB requirements despite the great emphasis on passive building solutions and renewable energy sources that contribute to this goal. However, material circularity has yet to achieve its full potential for sustainable modular construction. Moreover, there is some interest in off-grid modular buildings, although further research should be undertaken to analyse the modular construction feasibility for sustainable off-grid communities. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of digitalisation in modular construction to enhance efficiency and ensure environmental sustainability within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Full article

Peru is one of the most diverse countries from a geographical and climatic point of view, where there are three large ecosystem regions called coast, Sierra, and jungle. These characteristics result in the country having many hydrographic basins, with rivers of significant dimensions in terms of the width and length of the channel. In this sense, there is a permanent need to provide connectivity and promote trade between communities through road bridge infrastructure. Thus, Peru historically developed a road network and bridges during the Inca Empire in the Tawantinsuyu region, building a cobblestone road network and suspension bridges with rope cables made of plant fibers from vegetation called Coya-Ichu. This is how bridges in Peru have evolved to meet contemporary vehicular demands and provide structural stability and functionality throughout their useful life. This article presents the following sections: (a) an introduction to the evolution of bridges, (b) the current typology and inventory of bridges, (c) the characterization of the largest bridges, (d) a discussion on the architecture, engineering, construction, and structural health monitoring (AECSHM) of bridges in the face of climate change, earthquakes, and material degradation, and (e) conclusions. Finally, this article presents opportunities and challenges in terms of Peru’s architecture, engineering, construction, and structural health monitoring of road bridges. Special emphasis is given to the use of technologies from the era of Industry 4.0 to promote the digital construction and structural health monitoring of these infrastructures. Finally, it is concluded that the integration of technologies of sensors, the IoT (Internet of Things), AI (artificial intelligence), UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), remote sensing, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly), among others, will allow for more safe, reliable, durable, productive, cost-effective, sustainable, and resilient bridge infrastructures in Peru in the face of climate change. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and efficient construction practices has led to an increased interest in modular construction, with design for manufacture and assembly emerging as a pivotal approach. Despite its potential, the integration of design for manufacture and assembly in modular home construction lacks a structured methodology, posing challenges in aligning design, manufacturing, and assembly processes. This paper introduced a framework aimed at systematically incorporating design for manufacturing and assembly principles into modular home production, leveraging different software tools in the design stage for modular design standardization and streamlined manufacturing and assembly processes. Following a mixed-method research methodology, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify research gaps. To address these gaps, a framework was developed focusing on design, manufacturing, and assembly considerations, and retrospective validation of the framework was conducted to confirm its effectiveness. This study revealed the significant benefits of integrating design for manufacturing and assembly principles utilizing advanced digital tools, through a hybrid approach using 2D drafting software and 3D BIM software. The findings indicated that implementing design for manufacturing and assembly principles led to a 40% reduction in design phase duration and a 48% decrease in production errors. This paper offers a structured guide for practitioners while providing a basis for further research in sustainable modular construction. Full article

In architectural engineering, triangular tessellation using polygon mesh topology is one of the commonly used computational geometric approaches to simplify a free curved building façade into flat triangular facets and their subsequent straight edges. In such a façade system, exterior panels are supported by a network of profiles that correspond to their edges hidden behind the panels at an offset distance. A group of profiles, derived from the edges common to a node point of tessellated panels (i.e., the outermost panels enveloping the building), may dislocate from each other when offset from their original locations due to non-coplanar alignment and unique offset directions and distances. This dislocation problem gives rise to geometric complications in nodal connector design in addition to varying in the connected profile count and orientations. Design considerations regarding the effects of ’offset vertex dislocation’ (i.e., the dislocation of the edges when it offsets from the original topology due to incoherent normal direction) should incorporate proper variables in the correct sequence based on a fundamental understanding that causes the dislocation problem. However, it is very often these topological problems pertaining to offset that are neglected, leading to subsequent design flaws. Such oversights diminish the inherent strengths of DfMA (design for manufacture and assembly) and design automation. This study develops a computational mathematical approach aimed at addressing the geometric complexities in nodal connector design. It focuses on two main areas: the precise positioning of substructure profiles essential for the design and a design automation approach that minimizes the length of the nodal connector arms to enhance 3D printing productivity. A life-scale proof-of-concept structure based on an automated parametric design process that implements the research findings demonstrates the application, incorporating 3D-printed PA12 (Polyamide-12) nodal connectors. Full article

Modular construction is emerging into the limelight in the construction industry as one of the front-running modern methods of construction, facilitating multiple benefits, including improved productivity. Meanwhile, Circular Economy (CE) principles are also becoming prominent in the Building Construction Industry (BCI), which is infamous for its prodigious resource consumption and waste generation. In essence, the basic concepts of modular construction and CE share some commonalities in their fundamental design principles, such as standardisation, simplification, prefabrication, and mobility. Hence, exploring ways of synergising circularity and modularity in the design stage with a Whole Life Cycle (WLC) of value creation and retention is beneficial. By conducting a thorough literature review, supported by expert interviews and brainstorming sessions, followed by a case study, the concept of Design for Circular Manufacturing and Assembly (DfCMA) was proposed to deliver circularity and modularity synergistically in circularity-oriented modular construction. This novel conceptualisation of DfCMA is envisaged to be a value-adding original theoretical contribution of this paper. Furthermore, the findings are expected to add value to the BCI by proposing a way forward to synergise circularity and modularity to contribute substantially towards an efficient circular built environment. Full article

The use of both hands is a common practice in everyday life. The capacity to interact with the environment is largely dependent on the ability to use both hands. A thorough review of the current state of the art reveals that commercially available prosthetic hands designed for children are very different in functionality from those developed for adults, primarily due to prosthetic hands for adults featuring a greater number of actuated joints. Many times, patients stop using their prosthetic device because they feel that it does not fit well in terms of shape and size. With the idea of solving these problems, the design of HandBot-Kid has been developed with the anthropomorphic qualities of a child between the ages of eight and twelve in mind. Fitting the features of this age range, the robotic hand has a length of 16 cm, width of 7 cm, thickness of 3.6 cm, and weight of 328 g. The prosthesis is equipped with a total of fifteen degrees of freedom (DOF), with three DOFs allocated to each finger. The concept of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) has been integrated into the development process, enabling the number of parts to be optimized in order to reduce the production time and cost. The utilization of 3D printing technology in conjunction with aluminum machining enabled the manufacturing process of the robotic hand prototype to be streamlined. The flexion–extension movement of each finger exhibits a trajectory that is highly similar to that of a real human finger. The four-bar mechanism integrated into the finger design achieves a mechanical advantage (MA) of 40.33% and a fingertip pressure force of 10.23 N. Finally, HandBot-Kid was subjected to a series of studies and taxonomical tests, including Cutkosky (16 points) and Kapandji (4 points) score tests, and the functional results were compared with some commercial solutions for children mentioned in the state of the art. Full article

To select the optimal design alternative in off-site construction (OSC) projects, the building industry has turned to design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA). However, most DfMA developments in the OSC field until now have been on improving the production process in OSC projects and guideline strategies on how to apply them. The application of DfMA guidelines only provides background knowledge to designers on how to design. However, it cannot inspect whether the DfMA concept is fully reflected in a design draft to examine the suitability to the OSC production environment, and it cannot determine the optimal alternative from among multiple design alternatives. Thus, this study developed an integrated assessment model of OSC-DfMA consisting of the OSC-DfMA production suitability assessment model and the OSC-DfMA production efficiency assessment model to support decision-making for selecting the optimal design alternative of an OSC project. In this study, the scope of the main research was limited to precast concrete (PC)-based OSC projects. Firstly, we developed an OSC-DfMA production suitability assessment model to review whether design drafts are suitable in the OSC production environment by applying checklist and matrix techniques. Secondly, we developed an OSC-DfMA production efficiency assessment model to select an optimal alternative in terms of production efficiency among multiple design drafts. Thirdly, we conducted a case study to validate the usefulness of the OSC-DfMA assessment model developed in this study. Finally, we discuss the possibility of using AI technology to consider the facility capacity and resource constraints during the production of OSC building components. The study results are of practical value in providing the basis for expanding the applicability of DfMA by proposing a DfMA assessment model suitable for OSC contexts. Full article