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Cited by 147BIM and Construction IntegrationDigital Transformation in IndustryConstruction Management and Sustainability

A review of digital twin applications in construction

Open access
Madubuike, Obinna C., Anumba, Chimay J., Khallaf, Rana·2022·Journal of Information Technology in Construction
DOI 10.36680/j.itcon.2022.008
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Abstract

The emergence of digital twin technology presents tremendous opportunities for several industry sectors. A digital twin is defined as the virtual representation of a physical asset that collects and sends real-time information. A digital twin collects data from the physical asset in real-time and uses this data to create a virtual model of the physical object. Its functionality depends on the bi-directional coordination of data between the physical and virtual models. This is likened to cyber-physical systems, which seek to provide bi-directional coordination between the physical and virtual worlds. While digital twins have found applications in the various industrial sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial engineering, their applications in the construction industry are relatively limited. Although some level of progress has been made in the construction industry with the application of a digital twin, it still lags in other sectors. Virtual models of constructed facilities are developed and used to plan and construct the actual facility, with changes in the physical facility being automatically reflected in the virtual model based on real-time data and vice-versa. The digital twin shows promising possibilities in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a facility. This paper reviews the development and implementation of digital twin technology in the construction industry and compares its use with other industries while assessing the benefits of DT to the construction industry. A systematic literature review including a thematic analysis was employed to address the purpose of this study. Limitations associated with the existing and emerging applications are also identified. It concludes by highlighting the importance of DT applications in the construction sector.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review systematically examines digital twin (DT) applications across sectors and finds construction adoption and publication remain low relative to manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. It identifies benefits and limitations of DT for design, construction, operation, and maintenance, and calls for greater construction-sector implementation.

Key findings

  • Thematic analysis of Web of Science “Digital Twin and Construction” publications found 24 publications for 2019–2021, with 17 (70.83%) in 2021, 5 (20.83%) in 2020, and 2 (8.33%) in 2019; “Construction Building Technology” accounted for 5 publications (8.33%) of the 60 categorized records.
  • Reviewed DT literature focused more on manufacturing, healthcare, and general DT proof of concept than construction; the paper concludes construction DT application is still low and no literature addressed facilities management as a whole or a specific facilities management area.
  • Reported benefits of DT in construction include automated progress monitoring, updated as-built drawings/models, resource planning and logistics, safety monitoring, quality assessment, optimization of equipment usage, monitoring and tracking of workers, monitoring of a facility, facilities management and operations, decision making, and sustainable development.
  • Examples from other sectors include GE’s digital wind farm, reported to boost wind farm energy production by 20% and generate about $100 million extra value over the lifespan of a 100-MW farm; Singapore’s Frasers Tower used 179 Bluetooth beacons and 900 sensors generating about 2,100 data points.

Methods

  • Systematic literature review with thematic analysis; sources were Web of Science and Google Scholar, with Scopus reported as returning 0 DT articles under Title search.
  • Web of Science searches included topic = “digital twin” (1,557 results, 1900–2020) and title searches TI = “digital twin” (413 results), TI = “digital twins”, TI = “Digital”, and TI = “Digital Twin and Construction”; abstracts were reviewed to select articles for full study.
  • Thematic analysis classified literature by field/industry and was further analyzed for mean and percentage values of DT publications by theme.

Limitations

  • The paper states construction DT adoption is low due to complex technical setup, complex information management, security protocols (encryption, access privileges, device vulnerabilities, audits), massive data from numerous endpoints, worker fear of job loss, difficulty integrating stakeholders, volatile/non-identical projects, lack of DT platform standards, and digital planning/simulation not included in budgets or fee schedules.
  • The paper notes DT is at a nascent stage and its potential has not been fully realized; construction publications are more DT concepts than applications compared with other industries.
  • Evident from the text: the review’s construction-specific publication base is small (24 publications, 2019–2021), and the authors note lower sample size/data on DT implementation in construction make it harder to convince stakeholders of feasibility.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.36680/j.itcon.2022.008

Cites

59 of 59 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

4 of 48 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Findingreasoning

    There is a huge gap in the implementation of DT between the industrial sectors and the construction industry.

    “Previous literature has shown a huge gap in the implementation of DT between the industrial sectors and the construction industry.”
    • Also stated in: § 3. METHODOLOGY · plain
      “This also supports the stance on the lack of adequate publications and implementation of DT technology in the construction industry.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    Publications on DT application in the construction industry have been observed to be very low.

    “Additionally, publications on DT application in the construction industry have been observed to be very low.”
    • Also stated in: § 3. METHODOLOGY · plain
      “According to Table 1, it can be observed that publications on”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    The DT and construction publications are more of DT concepts rather than applications as in other industries.

    “However, these publications are more of DT concepts rather than applications as having been applied in the other industries.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    DT was found to have several uses in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a facility/asset.

    “DT was found to have several uses in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a facility/asset.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    There were a total of 24 DT and construction publications between 2019 and 2021.

    “Relating the percentage value to the total number of DT and construction publications shows a total of 24 publications between 2019 -2021.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 43
  • May combine two claims. 32
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 3

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT consists of three parts: the physical product, the virtual product, and the communication platform between them.

    “Consequently, DT consists of three parts, which include the physical product, virtual product, and the communication platform between them (Glaessgen & Stargel 2012).”
    • Also stated in: § 2.5 System Architecture · plain
      “DT involves three major parts which include the physical system, virtual system, and the communication linkage between both systems (Glaessgen & Stargel 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Glaessgen & Stargel 2012 source

      The Concept section describes a digital simulation that mirrors an as-built vehicle and incorporates sensor data from it, supporting the physical–virtual relationship. It does not describe the Digital Twin as three parts or identify a communication platform as a distinct part (page not available in our copy). (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Although a DT can require a great upfront investment, it can provide significant investment return in the long-run operation of a system.

    “Although a DT can require a great upfront investment, it can provide significant investment return in the long-run operation of a system (Madni et al, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Madni et al, 2019 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The definitions by Lui et al. (2018) and Madni et al. (2019) are the most inclusive and appropriate for the construction sector because they address real-time monitoring of construction projects and predictive maintenance.

    “These definitions are most inclusive and appropriate for the construction sector because they address the purpose of DT in this industryreal-time monitoring of construction projects and predictive maintenance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Lui et al (2018)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Madni et al. (2019) source

      Section 5, “Future Prospects” (page unavailable), describes real-time data dashboards for construction projects and says digital twins can improve decisions about construction projects and property maintenance. It discusses predictive maintenance in manufacturing and maintenance activities, but does not specifically connect it to construction projects or assess these definitions as the most inclusive and appropriate for the sector. (LLM, conf=0.85)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    DT can predict a system's response to safety in cases of critical events and can reveal imminent issues before they become critical by comparing actual responses to predicted ones.

    “DT can predict a system's response to safety in cases of critical events and can reveal imminent issues before they become critical by comparing actual responses to predicted ones (Madni et al, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Madni et al, 2019 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Digital twin applications in the construction industry are relatively limited and lag behind other industrial sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial engineering.

    “While digital twins have found applications in the various industrial sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial engineering, their applications in the construction industry are relatively limited.”
    • Also stated in: § 1. INTRODUCTION · plain
      “Unfortunately, the construction industry is yet to fully embrace the implementation of DT, which can be attributed to the complex nature of the industry and the slow receptiveness of the stakeholders.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    DT is at a nascent stage but has shown diverse applicability in various industrial sectors.

    “DT is yet at the nascent stage but has shown diverse applicability in the various industrial sectors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    DT has been applied in aerospace, automotive, energy, healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

    “This research identified several industries where DT was applied, which are: aerospace, automotive, energy, healthcare, telecommunications, and manufacturing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Following the reviewed articles, more focus was on the manufacturing industry, healthcare sector, and articles on the general DT concept.

    “Following the reviewed articles, more focus was on the manufacturing industry, healthcare sector, and articles on the general DT concept.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Publications on

    “According to Table 1, it can be observed that publications on”
    • Also stated in: § 3. METHODOLOGY · plain
      “However, the publications increased in 2021 to reach 70.83% of the total between 2019 and 2021.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Searching Scopus for DT articles using Title (TI) gave a '0' result, meaning there are no DT articles in Scopus.

    “While searching for DT articles in Scopus using Title (TI), it gave a '0' result which means that there are no DT articles in Scopus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Several publications under the search

    “Although the search input”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The categorization by Web of Science accurately identifies the fields a publication is affiliated with based on its contents.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    A second advanced search using TI =

    “A second advanced search was carried out using the input (Title = TI): TI =”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    On Web of Science, the first basic search with

    “On Web of Science, the first basic search with”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    There is no literature on DT addressing facilities management as a whole or any specific area of facilities management.

    “Additionally, there is no literature on DT addressing facilities management as a whole or any specific area of facilities management.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Thematic analysis revealed that more DT publications focused on the manufacturing industry, healthcare sector (service delivery-related), and general DT proof of concept.

    “The Thematic Analysis which addresses some of the research questions revealed that more of the publications on DT focused on the manufacturing industry, healthcare sector (service delivery-related), and general DT proof of concept (see Table 3).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Creating a geometric digital model is the first step in creating a DT because the digital model will be linked with the physical component on which the DT application will be based.

    “Creating a geometric digital model is the first step in creating a DT because the digital model will be linked with the physical component on which the DT application will be based.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT has been identified as a major key in the long-term success of autonomous vehicles in the future.

    “DT has also been identified as a major key in the long-term success of autonomous vehicles in the future (Watts, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Watts, 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Cyber-physical systems ensure seamless integration between the virtual and physical models.

    “The cyber-physical systems ensure seamless integration between the virtual and physical models (Akanmu et al, 2012;Akanmu et al, 2013;Akanmu and Anumba, 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Akanmu et al, 2012 source
    • cites Akanmu et al, 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Akanmu and Anumba, 2015 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    DT applications have made their way into various industrial sectors and have shown large benefits to them.

    “DT applications have made their way into various industrial sectors and have shown large benefits to them.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    DT is at its nascent stage in the construction industry and possesses promising benefits and rewards in its applications.

    “DT is at its nascent stage in the construction industry and possesses promising benefits and rewards in its applications.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Lessons and benefits from DT applications in other industries are transferable to the construction industry.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    General Electric's implementation of a DT to boost wind farm energy increased energy production by 20% and generated about $100 million as additional profit over the lifespan of a 100-megawatt farm.

    “General Electric's implementation of a DT to boost wind farm energy increased energy production by 20% and generated about $100 million as additional profit over the lifespan of a 100-megawatt farm (Harvard Business Review, 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Harvard Business Review, 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT enables continuous information flow between a physical and virtual asset throughout the product lifecycle of the asset.

    “It enables continuous information flow between a physical and virtual asset throughout the product lifecycle of the asset (Abramovici et al, 2015;Rosen, 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Abramovici et al, 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Rosen, 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    DT can be applied in the construction industry using BIM to produce the digital model which would be simulated using the DT approach to analyze the feasibility of the model.

    “This can also be applied in the construction industry using BIM to produce the digital model which would be simulated using the DT approach to analyze the feasibility of the model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Lessons and benefits from DT applications in other industries are transferable to the construction industry.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT involves a systems-of-systems integration of different sources of data including embedded sensors, wireless sensor networks, digitized building life-cycle data and systems, and integration with other cloud services and data providers.

    “DT involves a systems-of-systems integration of the different sources of data that include embedded sensors, wireless sensor networks, digitized building life-cycle data and systems, and integration with other cloud services and data providers (Haag & Anderl, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Haag & Anderl, 2018 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Liu et al. (2020) reported that optimization was met in the hospital supply chain system and thus cutting building operational costs, operational uncertainties, and tight budgetary constraints.

    “The study by Liu et al. (2020) reported that optimization was met in the hospital supply chain system and thus cutting building operational costs, operational uncertainties, and tight budgetary constraints.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Liu et al., 2020 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    DT provides significant benefits, some of which include effective data management, anomaly detection for effective maintenance, and access control and management.

    “DT provides significant benefits, some of which include effective data management, anomaly detection for effective maintenance, and access control and management.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Deloitte, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    DT-enabling technologies include cyber-physical systems, sensors, communication networks, and mobile devices.

    “These parts are comprised of DT-enabling technologies including cyber-physical systems, sensors, communication networks, and mobile devices.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Condition-Based Maintenance using a DT approach for facilities management would help improve the performance of constructed projects by monitoring and controlling their health status in real-time.

    “Condition-Based Maintenance using a DT approach for facilities management would help improve the performance of constructed projects by monitoring and controlling their health status in real-time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Lessons and benefits from DT applications in other industries are transferable to the construction industry.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    The processing of data and information obtained by attached sensors is responsible for all real-time updates in the virtual model.

    “The processing of the data and information obtained by the various attached sensors is responsible for all real-time updates in the virtual model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    GE proposes to boost wind farm energy production by 20% and generate about $100 million as extra value over the lifespan of a 100-megawatt farm.

    “Harvard Business Review (2015) further identified that GE proposes to boost wind farm energy production by 20% and generate about $100 million as extra value over the lifespan of a 100-megawatt farm.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Harvard Business Review, 2015

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT is based on the foundation of the Internet of Things (IoT) for its operations.

    “DT is based on the foundation of the Internet of Things (IoT) for its operations (Palit & Datta, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Palit & Datta, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT provides further advancement on smart manufacturing by managing data by providing relevant information in real-time.

    “DT provides further advancement on smart manufacturing by managing these data by providing relevant information in real-time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tao et al, 2014 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing). The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationown data

    The number of publications on

    “This is still low when compared to other industrial sectors like the manufacturing industry, which has benefited more from the implementation of DT.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationown data

    The adoption and extent of DT application in the construction industry is still low compared to the manufacturing industry and given the low volume of publications.

    “However, the adoption of DT in construction is still low when compared to the manufacturing industry.”
    • Also stated in: § 6. DISCUSSION · boosted
      “Consequently, it can be concluded that the extent of DT application in the construction industry is still low given the low volume of publications.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A geometric DT is a geometric digital model enhanced with semantic information and serves as a starting point for creating a comprehensive DT.

    “A geometric DT is referred to as a geometric digital model enhanced with semantic information and serves as a starting point for creating a comprehensive DT (Brilakis et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brilakis et al., 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The intended use of the DT determines what model needs to be used to create it.

    “The intended use of the DT determines what model needs to be used to create it.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A report by Johnson Controls (2019) identified benefits of applying DT in the built environment to be visibility of the physical asset's operations in the virtual model, prediction of the future state of buildings, possibilities of simulating various conditions to determine 'what-if analysis', documentation, and communication to understand and explain behaviors and connect disparate systems such作为

    “Another report by Johnson Controls (2019) identified the benefits of applying DT in the built environment to be visibility of the physical asset's operations in the virtual model, prediction of the future state of buildings, possibilities of simulating various conditions to determine 'what-if analysis', documentation, and communication to understand and explain behaviors and connect disparate”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Johnson Controls, 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The implementation of DT in the aerospace industry is seen with some growth, and this is an encouragement for the construction industry to adopt DT.

    “The implementation of DT in the Aerospace industry is seen with some growth, and this is an encouragement for the construction industry to adopt DT.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Lessons and benefits from DT applications in other industries are transferable to the construction industry.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Even with the rise of smart buildings embedded with smart automated systems, the adoption of DT in the construction industry has been low compared to the other industries.

    “Even with the rise of smart buildings embedded with smart automated systems, the adoption of DT in the construction industry has been low compared to the other industries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The purpose of the DT determines what physical asset to digitize and the Level of Detail (LoD) that is needed for the DT creation.

    “The purpose of the DT determines what physical asset to digitize and the Level of Detail (LoD) that is needed for the DT creation (Brilakis et al., 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brilakis et al., 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    An essential part of a DT is the communication (linkage) between the physical and virtual products, which involves analytics at every step.

    “An essential part of a DT is the communication (linkage) between the physical and virtual products, which involves analytics at every step.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The reviewed articles support the stance on the lack of adequate publications and implementation of DT technology in the construction industry.

    “This also supports the stance on the lack of adequate publications and implementation of DT technology in the construction industry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    If properly implemented, DT will influence how the design, build, and operation of the physical system is constructed and works in a single life cycle.

    “If properly implemented, it will influence how the design, build, and operation of the physical system is constructed and works in a single life cycle.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Thematic Analysis is a type of qualitative analysis used to classify and present themes dealing with different subjects.

    “Thematic Analysis is a type of qualitative analysis used to classify and present themes dealing with different subjects (Boyatzis, 1998;Alhojailan, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Boyatzis, 1998

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Alhojailan, 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In the manufacturing industry, DT is yielding powerful and compelling applications leading to improved results.

    “An example is within the manufacturing industry where DT is yielding powerful and compelling applications leading to improved results (Deloitte, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Deloitte, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    DT functions are based on the interaction between the physical and virtual worlds, which enables the analysis of data and monitoring of systems.

    “DT functions are based on the principle of the interaction between the physical and virtual worlds, which enables the analysis of data and monitoring of systems (GAVS, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites GAVS, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The adoption rate of digitization in the construction industry is still low at 1.4% as against the Information and Communications Technology industry, which has the highest digitization adoption rate of 4.6%.

    “A study by Bughin et al. (2016) shows that the adoption rate of digitization in the construction industry is still low at 1.4% as against the Information and Communications Technology industry, which has the highest digitization adoption rate of 4.6%.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bughin et al., 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisereasoning

    DT requires a high level of data analytics conducted in the IoT cloud to ensure real-time updates and bi-directional coordination.

    “DT requires a high level of data analytics conducted in the IoT cloud to ensure real-time updates and bi-directional coordination.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The manufacturing industry is profiting from DT benefits such as closed-loop manufacturing, optimization of product design, manufacturing, and smart maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

    “The manufacturing industry is profiting from the potential benefits of DT such as manufacturing with a closed-loop and optimization of the product design, manufacturing, and smart maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) (Tao et al., 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tao et al., 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Buildings could be designed with intelligent systems (sensors, actuators, controls) operating on the principle of cyber-physical systems bi-directional coordination between the building's components and the cyber world.

    “Buildings could be designed with intelligent systems (sensors, actuators, controls, and more) which operate on the principle of cyber-physical systemsbi-directional coordination between the building's components and the cyber world (Anumba et al, 2020;Anumba and Roofigari-Esfahan, 2020).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Anumba et al, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Anumba and Roofigari-Esfahan, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Projections show that hospitals, airports, hotels, and other similar projects will experience growth in the adoption of DT because they employ more smart systems for their performance.

    “Projections show that hospitals, airports, hotels, and other similar projects will experience growth in the adoption of DT because they employ more smart systems for their performance (Siemens, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Siemens, 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationown data

    The themes on DT literature show that DT is applicable in various industries including the construction industry.

    “However, the themes on DT literature show that DT is applicable in various industries including the construction industry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Although DT adoption has spread to many sectors including construction, its potential has not been fully realized.

    “Although DT adoption has spread to many sectors including construction, its potential has not been fully realized.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Parris et al. categorized the importance of DT into three areas: early warnings, predictions, and optimization.

    “Parris et al (2016) categorized the importance of DT into three areas: early warnings, predictions, and optimization.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Parris et al (2016)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    There have been attempts to implement DT in construction, such as monitoring construction work progress and generating a digital model of a bridge using a geometrical model.

    “There have been some attempts to implement DT in construction such as in monitoring construction work progress (Braun et al., 2018) and generating the digital model of a bridge using a geometrical model for DT application (Brilakis et al, 2019).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Braun et al., 2018 source
    • cites Brilakis et al, 2019

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    DT is an essential tool in the planning and coordination of multi-disciplinary solutions with early verification and validation of early design choices to optimize building performance.

    “It is an essential tool in the planning and coordination of multi-disciplinary solutions with the early verification and validation of early design choices to optimize building performance (Siemens, 2018).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Siemens, 2018

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The more buildings are technologically enhanced, the more readily digitalization of the facilities management function can be undertaken with considerable benefits for building owners, operators, and occupants.

    “Furthermore, the more these buildings are technologically enhanced, the more readily digitalization of the facilities management function can be undertaken with considerable benefits for building owners, operators, and occupants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The advent of smart technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), point cloud segmentation, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and sensors makes DT implementation in the construction industry more feasible.

    “The advent of some smart technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), point cloud segmentation, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and sensors make DT implementation in the construction industry more feasible.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Security protocols including data encryption, access privileges with clear user roles and least privilege, addressing known device vulnerabilities, and routine security audits are challenges to implementing DT.

    “Identity Management Institute (2020) identified certain security protocols as challenges to implementing DT, including data encryption, access privileges that include a clear definition of user roles and principle of least privilege, addressing known device vulnerabilities, and routine security audits.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Identity Management Institute, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The security challenges to implementing DT are applicable to the construction industry and may be compounded by the lower level of technology adoption in the industry.

    “These are all applicable to the construction industry and may be compounded by the lower level of technology adoption in the industry.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The construction industry has a lower level of technology adoption.
60 of 60

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The construction industry's low implementation of DT can be attributed to the complex nature of the industry and the slow receptiveness of stakeholders.

    “Unfortunately, the construction industry is yet to fully embrace the implementation of DT, which can be attributed to the complex nature of the industry and the slow receptiveness of the stakeholders.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The combination of Web of Science and Google Scholar provides all relevant and needed articles for the review.

    “These two literature databases were combined to search for articles extensively because the concept proposed by this study is still gaining ground and as such, one single database could not provide all relevant and needed articles.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The categorization by Web of Science accurately identifies the fields a publication is affiliated with based on its contents.

    “The categorization of the publications by Web of Science deals with identifying the various fields a publication is affiliated with based on its contents.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Lessons and benefits from DT applications in other industries are transferable to the construction industry.

    “This is used to contrast its application to that in the construction industry and obtain recommendations from the other industries.”
    “The implementation of DT in the Aerospace industry is seen with some growth, and this is an encouragement for the construction industry to adopt DT.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Setting up an effective DT requires highly technical and complex steps.

    “Additionally, the process involved in setting up an effective DT requires highly technical and complex steps.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    DT requires massive amounts of data to be collected and used from numerous endpoints, each representing a potential area of weakness.

    “Furthermore, DT requires massive amounts of data to be collected and used that are drawn from numerous endpoints, each representing a potential area of weakness.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Lack of interest by workers for fear of losing their jobs is a limitation that might affect the construction industry.

    “Lack of interest by the workers for fear of losing their jobs is another limitation that might affect the construction industry.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    No two projects within the construction industry are identical.

    “This is obvious as no two projects within the construction industry are identical.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The construction industry has a lower level of technology adoption.

    “These are all applicable to the construction industry and may be compounded by the lower level of technology adoption in the industry.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The construction industry is complex.

    “The slow adoption of digitization in the construction industry can also be attributed to the complex nature of the construction industry.”
10 of 10

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Proposed wind-farm gains are later described as achieved

    Minor

    The energy section says GE proposes the 20% production gain and $100 million in extra value. The benefits section presents those same figures as gains that have already occurred.

  • Privacy-enhancement process is assigned two figure numbers

    Minor

    The same smart-car privacy-enhancement process is identified as Figure 4 in the text but as Figure 3 in the figure description.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 60 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 8

  1. Akanmu A., Anumba C. J., and Messner, J. (2011). Mechanisms for Bi-directional Coordination between Virtual Design and the Physical Construction, Proceedings of the CIB W78-W102 2011: International Conference, Sophia Antipolis, France, 26-28th October.
  2. Akanmu, A. A., Anumba, C. J., and Ogunseiju, O. O. (2021). Towards next-generation cyber-physical systems and digital twins for construction. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), Special issue: ‘Next Generation ICT - How distant is ubiquitous computing?’, Vol. 26, pg. 505-525, DOI: 10.36680/j.itcon.2021.027 · DOI
  3. Boschert, S., Heinich, C. and Rosen, R. (2017). Next-generation digital twin. Proceedings of TMCE, Las Palmas de Grad Canaria, Spain.
  4. Brilakis, I., Pan, Y., Borrman, A., Mayer, H. G., Rhein, F., Von, C., Pettinato, E., and Wagner, S. (2019). Built environment digital twinning. Report of the International Workshop on Built Environment Digital Twinning presented by TUM Institute for Advanced Study and Siemens AG.
  5. Deloitte (2017). Industry 4.0 and the digital twin – Manufacturing meets its match. A Deloitte series on Industry 4.0, Deloitte University Press.
  6. Martinez, V., Ouyang, A., N., Neely, A., Burstall, C., and Bisessar, D. (2018). Service business model innovations: The digital twin technology. Working Paper; Cambridge Service Alliance, University of Cambridge,
  7. Wärmefjord, K., Söderberg, R., Lindkvist, L. et al (2017) Inspection data to support a digital twin for geometry assurance. In: Volume 2: Advanced Manufacturing. ASME, p V002T02A101 · DOI
  8. Zhuang, C., Liu, J., Xiong, H., Ding, X., Liu, S. and Wang, G. (2017). Connotation, architecture, and trends of product digital twin. Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems, 23(4), 753-768.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Madubuike, O. C., Anumba, C. J., & Khallaf, R.
Affiliations
  • University of Florida (US)
  • Future University in Egypt (EG)
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Information Technology in Construction
Publisher
International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction
Published
2022-02-23
Volume
27
Pages
145-172
ISSN
  • 1400-6529 (ISSN-L)
  • 1874-4753
DOI
10.36680/j.itcon.2022.008
OpenAlex
W4213210214
Semantic Scholar
70c9cdcb24147c6c71037c3e473581dde02ad6ab
Cited by
147
References
60
Citations by year
2026: 25 · 2025: 51 · 2024: 39 · 2023: 28 · 2022: 4
FWCI
13.12
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Journal of Information Technology in Construction (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › BIM and Construction Integration
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering › Digital Transformation in Industry
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Construction Management and Sustainability
Keywords
digital twin, construction industry, cyber-physical systems, real-time data, facility design and construction, facility operation and maintenance, digital twin applications

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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