Utilizing 3D Building Information Modeling Approaches to Propose Modular Postdisruption Housing Designs

Disruptive events can cause mass population displacement that leads to decision-making dilemmas regarding homelessness, short-term versus long-term infrastructure investment, and resource use. This research uses building information modeling (BIM) approaches to provide solutions for postdisaster issues via implementation of general purpose (GP) shipping containers as a means of temporary housing units (THUs). The use of GP shipping containers for THUs aims to solve the identified dilemmas by prioritizing modularity, increasing transportation methods, and designing for sustainable resource use. In this research, the types of human displacement are discussed, and past methods of THUs are scrutinized with comparison to GP shipping container designs, including the characteristics of mobile and manufactured homes, prefabricated kits and tenting, and prefabricated modular units. This research provides three temporary housing unit designs within three varying size container units [i.e., container length changes between 3.048, 6.096, and 12.192 m (10, 20, and 40 ft)]. The use of BIM approaches to create temporary housing unit designs enables a further material life cycle analysis and project of potential material reuse.