Module library development via graph mining

Abstract

The use of prefabricated modules can benefit the construction industry with the economy of scales and production efficiency. However, the existing approach to develop module libraries is project-based, lacking the potential to reuse and manage in future projects. By taking the repeatability and manufacturability into account, this paper proposes a graph-based framework to identify possible modules automatically from multiple projects by frequent pattern mining. The results show that the repeated patterns share a degree of standardization and can be considered as module candidates. Finally, the framework is implemented as add-ons in the BIM environment to support module lifecycle management.