Research Progress on Key Technologies of Modular Buildings： from Structural Systems to Full-Lifecycle Intelligence

Zhao He; He Jiefeng; Gong Chao; Hou Zhaoxin

doi:10.13206/j.gjgS26051303

Volume 41 Issue 8

Aug. 2026

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Zhao He, He Jiefeng, Gong Chao, Hou Zhaoxin. Research Progress on Key Technologies of Modular Buildings： from Structural Systems to Full-Lifecycle Intelligence[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(8): 1-11. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS26051303

Citation:

Zhao He, He Jiefeng, Gong Chao, Hou Zhaoxin. Research Progress on Key Technologies of Modular Buildings： from Structural Systems to Full-Lifecycle Intelligence[J]. STEEL CONSTRUCTION(Chinese & English), 2026, 41(8): 1-11. doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS26051303

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Research Progress on Key Technologies of Modular Buildings： from Structural Systems to Full-Lifecycle Intelligence

doi: 10.13206/j.gjgS26051303

Zhao He^1,2,
He Jiefeng^1,2,
Gong Chao^3,4,
Hou Zhaoxin^{3,4
,
,}

1. School of Future Cities, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China;
2. Research Institute of Urbanization and Urban Safety, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China;
3. Central Research Institute of Building and Construction Co., Ltd., MCC Group, Beijing 100088, China;
4. Central Research Institute of Building and Construction (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., MCC Group, Shenzhen 518055, China

Received Date: 2026-05-13
Available Online: 2026-11-06

Abstract

Abstract

Modular buildings offer advantages such as high construction efficiency， superior engineering quality， and environmental friendliness. Aligning with the “Good Housing” construction standards， it represents a crucial direction for advancing the transformation of the building industrialization and holds broad application prospects in fields including new construction， urban renewal， post-disaster reconstruction， and temporary emergency responses. This paper reviews the mechanical characteristics of steel， concrete， and composite modular units； analyzes the structural configurations and collaborative load-transfer mechanisms of various inter-module connections； and categorizes the primary types of modular structural systems. Numerical simulation methods for the overall mechanical behavior of modular structures are summarized， and the effects of connection semi-rigidity and floor flexibility are demonstrated. Furthermore， the integrated applications of intelligent technologies including Building Information Modeling （BIM）， Internet of Things， and digital twins throughout the full lifecycle of modular buildings are elaborated. Finally， future development directions are proposed， including novel and efficient inter-module connection systems， efficient and accurate computational models and design standards， enhancement of integration and standardization levels， and the promotion of full-chain intelligent integration.
- modular buildings,
- inter-module connection,
- modular structural system,
- seismic performance,
- full lifecycle,
- digital twins

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References(66)

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