Automated generation of assembly-oriented template models for digital twin implementation in DfMA construction

Abstract

Assembly analysis during the Being-Built (BB) stage of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) construction is hindered by inefficient digital modeling of assembly information. This paper studies the modeling approaches of DfMA assembly features to enable efficient digital twins. Hence, an automated generation framework for assembly-oriented template models is proposed. This framework features lightweight geometry and assembly features, dual As-Designed (AD) and BB templates for real-time synchronization, hierarchical topological networks for capturing multi-level assembly relationships, and quantitative quality metrics for alignment and connectivity. Testbed demonstrations and simulations validate the framework, achieving 87.3 % model size reduction, 95.1 % faster loading time, 93.8 % geometric complexity deduction, and a decrease in quality calculation complexity from $O\left(n^2\right)$ to $O\left(n\right)$. These advancements demonstrate that the framework enables real-time cyber-physical synchronization, constraint-aware evaluation, and proactive quality control during dynamic assembly. Future work includes integration with closed-loop control systems and automated assembly equipment to enhance construction automation.