The objective of this study is to evaluate the practical application of a digital process for the buildings’ energy rehabilitation using prefabricated modules. The literature is extensive in this aspect, numerous technologies are mentioned for the digitalization of buildings’ rehabilitation process (BIM, laser scanner, drones, etc.), and there are also many prefabricated products for rehabilitation, but its introduction in the market is still very limited. This is due in part to the uncertainty in its practical application, and the difficulties that may entail changing processes, digitizing them, and integrating innovations in a sector as conservative as construction.
Within BERTIM project, prefabricated wooden modules that integrate both carpentry and HVAC distribution networks and a methodology for the energy rehabilitation of buildings through a digitalized process have been developed. These developments have been implemented in two buildings which has allowed to identify the main barriers and difficulties that construction companies encounter in the execution. The main difficulties are: i) the method of capturing building data for the generation of its BIM model, ii) the integration of the HVAC distribution networks into the modules iii) the installation procedure of the modules on the existing building façade so that minimum execution times are ensured even in façades with many deviations and a large lack of verticality.
This study addresses these difficulties and proposes practical solutions that will allow industrials to implement digital processes and will foster the use of prefabricated modules in the buildings’ energy rehabilitation.The authors want to recognize BERTIM project on Energy rehabilitation of buildings with prefabricated timber modules as the main framework of the present study. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 636984. The authors would also like to thank all the members of the consortium for their technical and scientific contributions
