A Digital Project Management Framework for Transnational Prefabricated Housing Projects

Compared with an ordinary prefabricated housing project (PHP), a transnational PHP tends to involve more uncertainties, with major stakeholders residing in different countries. This study proposes a novel digital project management framework that integrates building information modeling to enhance information utilization. This framework also incorporates innovative design concepts of modulor, modulus, module, model, durability, and recyclability for enhanced user comfort, housing industrialization, and extended lifespan. It was demonstrated how planning, design, manufacture, and transportation processes can be streamlined in transnational PHP delivery. A case study was performed in a typical transnational PHP between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China for validation. By applying the framework, this PHP could install a single house within 24 h, improve precast level by about 20%, and reduce project cost per square meter by 5.2%, because of integrated design concept, reduced labor cost, effective material cost control, and enhanced information management.