A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Digital twins in the built environment: Definition, applications, and challenges
Abstract Digital Twins (DT) implementation in the Built Environment (BE) industry is still in its early stages. Aiming to increase the knowledge about DT, this study analyzes how DT can be understood in the BE sector and investigates its different potential benefits and expected challenges. To do so, the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach was employed. Using 228 publications, the current study presents a proposed definition and structure for DT systems. The proposed structure is based on four main layers: physical, digital, application, and user layers. The study also classified the applications of DT into six groups: sustainability and environmental, facility management, safety, health, and risk management, structural performance, construction management, and architectural and urban-related applications. The challenges of DT implementation were also grouped based on industry-related, social and organizational, economic, technological, and political and legal challenges. Based on the results, future research directions and practical recommendations were presented to support the successful deployment of the technology.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Interest in digital twin (DT) implementation in the built environment (BE) industry is increasing noticeably. The systematic literature review was employed to analyze DT applications, challenges, and structure in the BE industry. As a result of this study, a four-layer structure for DT systems is proposed. Despite the potential advantages, DT's implementation is still in its early stages and faces several challenges. The research contributes to the ongoing efforts to better understand the potential of DT within the BE industry.
Digital twins in the built environment: Definition, applications, and challenges
Abstract Digital Twins (DT) implementation in the Built Environment (BE) industry is still in its early stages. Aiming to increase the knowledge about DT, this study analyzes how DT can be understood in the BE sector and investigates its different potential benefits and expected challenges. To do so, the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach was employed. Using 228 publications, the current study presents a proposed definition and structure for DT systems. The proposed structure is based on four main layers: physical, digital, application, and user layers. The study also classified the applications of DT into six groups: sustainability and environmental, facility management, safety, health, and risk management, structural performance, construction management, and architectural and urban-related applications. The challenges of DT implementation were also grouped based on industry-related, social and organizational, economic, technological, and political and legal challenges. Based on the results, future research directions and practical recommendations were presented to support the successful deployment of the technology.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Interest in digital twin (DT) implementation in the built environment (BE) industry is increasing noticeably. The systematic literature review was employed to analyze DT applications, challenges, and structure in the BE industry. As a result of this study, a four-layer structure for DT systems is proposed. Despite the potential advantages, DT's implementation is still in its early stages and faces several challenges. The research contributes to the ongoing efforts to better understand the potential of DT within the BE industry.
Digital twins in the built environment: Definition, applications, and challenges
AlBalkhy, Wassim (author) / Karmaoui, Dorra (author) / Ducoulombier, Laure (author) / Lafhaj, Zoubeir (author) / Linner, Thomas (author)
2024-03-06
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English