Developing an integrated digital delivery framework for designing and planning construction projects: a review of interoperable digital technologies

Abstract

The emergence of industry 4.0 has given rise to the application of various digital technologies in the construction industry (CI). However, the integration of these different digital technologies towards the delivery of project objectives has been hampered over the years, especially at the design and planning stages of construction. Thus, the concept of integrated digital delivery (IDD) has been proposed as a means of integrating digital technologies to enhance construction process workflows and productivity through collaboration. This study conducted a critical review of extant literature of IDD application in the CI to identify the technologies which can be readily integrated at the design and planning phase of IDD. This study aims at proposing a system architecture design for the application of digital technologies at the design and planning phase of IDD. To achieve this aim, the study employed a systematic review to analyze 63 papers obtained from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Subsequently, content analysis was used to ascertain prospects and opportunities for integrating and interoperating the identified technologies. This study identified BIM, VR/AR, Digital Twin, Big Data and CPS as the most prominent interoperable technologies for digital design and planning in IDD. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a framework for integrating and adopting these technologies at the digital design and planning phase to improve project performance. This serves as a roadmap for the adoption of digital tools in digital design and planning.