Digital twin application in the construction industry: A literature review

Abstract

The construction industry is faced with numerous challenges including low productivity, lack of research and development, and poor technology advancements. Advances in digital technologies such as digital twin (DT) has seen enormous utilisations in digitally advanced industries including the manufacturing and automotive industries. It presents an opportunity for the integration of the physical world to the digital world. DT technology has the potential to transform the construction industry and provide responses to some of its challenges. As a result, the concept of DT has attracted much attention and is developing at a rapid pace. The overarching aim of this study was to analyse the current state of DT applications in the construction industry. This study comprehensively reviews and analyses DT concept, technologies, and application in the construction industry using a systematic review methodology while incorporating the science mapping method. After a complete search of several databases and careful selection in line with the proposed criteria, 22 academic publications about DT application in the construction industry were identified and classified accordingly. The research analysed in detail the status, evolution of the concept, key technologies, and six areas of application in the lifecycle phases of a project: building information modeling, structural system integrity, facilities management, monitoring, logistics processes, and energy simulation. This research shows that there is a high potential for DT to enable solutions to the numerous challenges in the construction industry. Thus, this study raises the level of awareness and need for the application of DT in the construction industry.