Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study

The escalating demand for free-form buildings presents a formidable technological hurdle in the realm of prefabrication manufacturing and assembly. This research draws inspiration from recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) and seeks to harness their transformative potential in tandem w...

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Main Authors: Dongchen Han, Wuji Zhao, Hongxi Yin, Ming Qu, Jian Zhu, Feifan Ma, Yuejia Ying, Annika Pan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2329351
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author Dongchen Han
Wuji Zhao
Hongxi Yin
Ming Qu
Jian Zhu
Feifan Ma
Yuejia Ying
Annika Pan
author_facet Dongchen Han
Wuji Zhao
Hongxi Yin
Ming Qu
Jian Zhu
Feifan Ma
Yuejia Ying
Annika Pan
author_sort Dongchen Han
collection DOAJ
description The escalating demand for free-form buildings presents a formidable technological hurdle in the realm of prefabrication manufacturing and assembly. This research draws inspiration from recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) and seeks to harness their transformative potential in tandem with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to advance the Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) method. The ultimate aim is to catapult the prefabrication industry into an era characterized by unparalleled design freedom and heightened efficiency. The research includes contributions from the following four areas: (1) A review of the literature on DfMA theories, specifically fabrication and construction. (2) The development of a BIM-based DfMA method framework, including the methodological basis, Design for Manufacturing (DfM), and Design for Assembly (DfA). (3) A pipeline for LLMs driven BIM-based DfMA method framework and a validation using the Decathlon Solar Team design-build practice at the University of Washington’s Lotus House. (4) An evaluation of 692 conversation scenarios to verify the feasibility of our proposal. We get a 91.1% user agreement on average based on GPT4. The research results could guide the workflow in building a lifecycle for DfMA practices in the future smart manufacturing era.
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institution Kabale University
issn 1347-2852
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Taylor & Francis Group
record_format Article
series Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
spelling doaj-art-4c8caf2cb2c84c0f8ab944cb4e4e6c392025-08-20T03:52:57ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering1347-28522025-05-012431500151710.1080/13467581.2024.23293512329351Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case studyDongchen Han0Wuji Zhao1Hongxi Yin2Ming Qu3Jian Zhu4Feifan Ma5Yuejia Ying6Annika Pan7School of Architecture, Soochow University, Soochow, ChinaSchool of Architecture, Soochow University, Soochow, ChinaWashington UniversityPurdue UniversityNew York Office, ZGF Architects LLP, Portland, USAShanghai Office, Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, Chicago, USAChicago Office, Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill, Chicago, USAWashington UniversityThe escalating demand for free-form buildings presents a formidable technological hurdle in the realm of prefabrication manufacturing and assembly. This research draws inspiration from recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) and seeks to harness their transformative potential in tandem with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to advance the Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) method. The ultimate aim is to catapult the prefabrication industry into an era characterized by unparalleled design freedom and heightened efficiency. The research includes contributions from the following four areas: (1) A review of the literature on DfMA theories, specifically fabrication and construction. (2) The development of a BIM-based DfMA method framework, including the methodological basis, Design for Manufacturing (DfM), and Design for Assembly (DfA). (3) A pipeline for LLMs driven BIM-based DfMA method framework and a validation using the Decathlon Solar Team design-build practice at the University of Washington’s Lotus House. (4) An evaluation of 692 conversation scenarios to verify the feasibility of our proposal. We get a 91.1% user agreement on average based on GPT4. The research results could guide the workflow in building a lifecycle for DfMA practices in the future smart manufacturing era.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2329351free-formlarge language models (llms)prefabricationdesign for manufacturing and assembly (dfma)building information modeling (bim)
spellingShingle Dongchen Han
Wuji Zhao
Hongxi Yin
Ming Qu
Jian Zhu
Feifan Ma
Yuejia Ying
Annika Pan
Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study
Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering
free-form
large language models (llms)
prefabrication
design for manufacturing and assembly (dfma)
building information modeling (bim)
title Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study
title_full Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study
title_fullStr Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study
title_full_unstemmed Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study
title_short Large language models driven BIM-based DfMA method for free-form prefabricated buildings: framework and a usefulness case study
title_sort large language models driven bim based dfma method for free form prefabricated buildings framework and a usefulness case study
topic free-form
large language models (llms)
prefabrication
design for manufacturing and assembly (dfma)
building information modeling (bim)
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2024.2329351
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