Digital Twins and the Construction Industry Dissected Conceptual Lenses, Benefits, Opportunities, Challenges and Annotated… (Oliver Barima)（Z-Library）
Data
This study examines the benefits, challenges and the manifest and latent concepts of digital twins (DT). It also explores emerging DT platforms/tools, deployment frameworks and capacity building issues to inform construction practitioners. These contributions are tailored to fill part of the extant knowledge gaps in the literature. The study applies a mix of literature-based study methods to examine the topic. Hybrid methods including exploratory knowledge scanning, keywords searches of databases, forward and backward searches and continuous iterative searches are applied to search for relevant materials and they are analyzed to distill fresh knowledge on the examined concepts. The study distills 7 basic reasoning tools and 8 lenses that underpin the first and second order definitions of digital twins to deepen understanding of digital twins. The research gives detailed analytical insights of the opportunities, benefits and challenges in the use of digital twins in the construction industry. The study also provides an annotated guide of a sample of extant digital twin technologies that can be deployed to enhance value delivery. The research offers directed insights that can inform future research on the topic and provides integrated frameworks to support deployment and capacity building in the use of digital twins for value delivery in practice. Additionally, the information in this research can guide practitioners to make informed decisions on the value and challenges in adopting digital twin technologies to support construction value delivery. The potential opportunities from the use of digital twins can be significant. Yet, as it is an emerging technology, there are a number of challenges associated with its use. But research, technological advances, and accumulated lessons from practice can strengthen its use for value delivery transformation over time.
6
Views
Registered users can read the full content for free
Register as a Gaohf Library member to read the complete e-book online for free and enjoy a better reading experience.
Page
1
(This page has no text content)
Page
2
(This page has no text content)
Page
3
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING DIGITAL TWIN AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DISSECTED CONCEPTUAL LENSES, BENEFITS, OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, CAPACITY BUILDING AND ANNOTATED PATHS No part of this digital document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means. The publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this digital document, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained herein. This digital document is sold with the clear understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, medical or any other professional services.
Page
4
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING Additional books and e-books in this series can be found on Nova’s website under the Series tab.
Page
5
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING DIGITAL TWIN AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DISSECTED CONCEPTUAL LENSES, BENEFITS, OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, CAPACITY BUILDING AND ANNOTATED PATHS OLIVER BARIMA
Page
6
Copyright © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52305/IBLY4819 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, electrostatic, magnetic, tape, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without the written permission of the Publisher. We have partnered with Copyright Clearance Center to make it easy for you to obtain permissions to reuse content from this publication. Simply navigate to this publication’s page on Nova’s website and locate the “Get Permission” button below the title description. This button is linked directly to the title’s permission page on copyright.com. Alternatively, you can visit copyright.com and search by title, ISBN, or ISSN. For further questions about using the service on copyright.com, please contact: Copyright Clearance Center Phone: +1-(978) 750-8400 Fax: +1-(978) 750-4470 E-mail: info@copyright.com. NOTICE TO THE READER The Publisher has taken reasonable care in the preparation of this book, but makes no expressed or implied warranty of any kind and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of information contained in this book. The Publisher shall not be liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from the readers’ use of, or reliance upon, this material. Any parts of this book based on government reports are so indicated and copyright is claimed for those parts to the extent applicable to compilations of such works. Independent verification should be sought for any data, advice or recommendations contained in this book. In addition, no responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property arising from any methods, products, instructions, ideas or otherwise contained in this publication. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered herein. It is sold with the clear understanding that the Publisher is not engaged in rendering legal or any other professional services. If legal or any other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent person should be sought. FROM A DECLARATION OF PARTICIPANTS JOINTLY ADOPTED BY A COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION AND A COMMITTEE OF PUBLISHERS. Additional color graphics may be available in the e-book version of this book. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data ISBN: 978-1-68507-340-4 Published by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. † New York
Page
7
Contents Preface ………………………………………………………ix List of Abbreviations……………………………………………….xi Chapter 1 Introduction………………………………………...1 Chapter 2 Methods……………………………………………..7 Chapter 3 What Is Digital Twin?.............................................11 3.1. Triangulated Examination of Digital Twin……11 3.2. Distillation of Underpinning Clustered Lenses……………………………….23 3.3. Working Definition of Digital Twin from Triangulated Views……………………....34 Chapter 4 Types, Allied Concepts, Data Forms, Potential Levels and Scales of Application in the Digital Twin Domain………………………37 4.1. Types of Digital Twins………………………...37 4.2. Digital Twin, Digital Shadow, and Data Link…………………………………..40 4.3. Digital Thread………………………………….41 4.4. Blockchain and Other Integrated Services…….42 4.5. Broad Typologies of Data Forms……………...43 4.6. Levels of Application………………………….44 4.7. Digital Twin versus Virtual Model……………45
Page
8
Contents vi Chapter 5 Opportunities/Benefits of Digital Twins…………49 5.1. General………………………………………...49 5.2. Digital Twins and Opportunities to Deal with Traditional Engineering Design Inadequacies……………………………49 5.3. Potential Generic Strategic and Tactical Opportunities of Digital Twins………………...51 Chapter 6 Digital Twin: Challenges………………………….59 Chapter 7 Annotated Guide and Capacity Building: Digital Twin Technology Solutions for Application in the Construction Industry…...69 7.1. Broad Contextually Linked Technologies……..70 7.2. Tailored Digital Twin Software Solutions and Trends in Use……………………72 7.3. Generic Steps in Applying Digital Twin………77 7.4. Readiness, Improving Capacity and Capability Maturity Models (CMM)………78 Chapter 8 Directions for Future Research…………………..87 8.1. General………………………………………...87 8.2. Strategic Industry-Focused Research………….87 8.3. Tactical Level-Focused Research……………...89 8.4. Integrated Conceptual Process Diagram to Inspire Future Research……………………...91 Conclusion ……………………………………………………...95 Appendix ……………………………………………………...99 References …………………………………………………….103
Page
9
Contents vii Author’s Contact Information……………………………….….117 Index …………………………………………………….119
Page
10
(This page has no text content)
Page
11
PREFACE This study examines the benefits, challenges and also the manifest and latent concepts of digital twins (DT) to enhance knowledge. It also explores emerging DT platforms/tools, deployment frameworks and capacity building issues to inform construction practitioners. These contributions are tailored to fill part of the extant knowledge gaps in the literature. The study applies a mix of literature-based study methods to examine the topic. Hybrid methods including exploratory knowledge scanning, keywords searches of databases, forward and backward searches and continuous iterative searches are applied to search for relevant materials and they are analyzed to distill fresh knowledge on the examined concepts. The study distills seven basic reasoning tools and eight lenses that underpin the first and second order definitions of digital twins to deepen understanding of digital twins. The research gives detailed analytical insights into the opportunities, benefits and challenges in the use of digital twins in the construction industry. The study also provides an annotated guide of a sample of extant digital twin technologies that can be deployed to enhance value delivery. The research offers directed insights that can inform future research on the
Page
12
Oliver Barima x topic and also provides integrated frameworks to support deployment and capacity building in the use of digital twins for value delivery in practice. Additionally, the information in this research can guide practitioners to make informed decisions on the value and challenges in adopting digital twin technologies to support construction value delivery. The potential opportunities from the use of digital twins can be significant. Yet, as an emerging technology, there are a number of challenges associated with its use. But research, technological advances, and accumulated lessons from practice can strengthen its use for value delivery transformation over time. Keywords: digital twin technology, value delivery, construction industry, digital twin opportunities, digital twin challenges, simulations, predictive analytics, virtual prototype, Internet of things, readiness and capacity building
Page
13
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AI Artificial Intelligence AR Augmented reality BIM Building information modeling CMM Capability maturity models DT Digital twin DTB Digital twin block ER Extended reality IoT Internet of Things IT Information technology ML Machine learning NDT Network of digital twins OT Operational technology PO Physical objects PT Physical twin VR Virtual reality ZTN Zero trust network
Page
14
(This page has no text content)
Page
15
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION In recent times, the digital twin (DT) concept has generated interest across many industries given the potential benefits that can be attained from the use of this model to deliver business value (e.g., Glaessgen and Stargel, 2012; Grieves and Vickers, 2017; Meˇza et al., 2021; Parrott and Warshaw, 2017; Qi et al., 2018; Qiao et al., 2019; Tao et al., 2019; Wright and Davidson, 2020). As a technology, a digital twin has been described as a living digital model of a physical asset, entity or system enabled by a confluence of technologies such as multi-physics simulations, machine learning, big data, extended reality (augmented reality(AR), virtual reality(VR), and mixed reality), IoT, cloud services, etc. that can be easily and quickly scaled up (see e.g, Figure 1) specifically for other similar applications (Aheleroff et al., 2021; Maria et al., 2019; Parris et al., 2016; Qiao et al., 2019; Wright and Davidson, 2020). And as an encapsulating lifecycle-based asset information model, the digital twin concept has been applied in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, energy, mining, construction, etc. to augment and enhance business performance (Fuller et al., 2020; Maria et al., 2019; Parris et al., 2016; Parrott and Warshaw, 2017).
Page
16
Oliver Barima 2 Figure 1. Scalable coupled digital and physical twin. However, in spite of the recent vigorous interest in the digital twin concept, academic attention focused on examining the concept varies across industries (Enders and Hoβbach, 2019; Qi et al., 2018). From a comparative lens, the literature on the digital twin concept in industries such as aerospace and manufacturing is significantly more advanced than other sectors (Fuller et al., 2020; Glaessgen and Stargel, 2012; Grieves and Vickers, 2017; Parris et al., 2016; Tao et al., 2019). Nevertheless, there is an emerging gradual trend of extended academic interest into other sectors such as the following: energy, marine, healthcare, agriculture, mining, public sector and recently the construction industry and real estate (Enders and Hoβbach, 2019; LaGrange, 2019; Lu and Brilakis, 2019; Pedersen et al., 2021). Yet, despite the recent increasing interest in digital twins in the construction industry, research in the area is still inadequate (Boje et al., 2020). With the exception of a few recent emerging works on digital twins, relatively little academic attention has been given to the examination of the concept in the literature in the construction industry (Boje et al., 2020; Lu et al., 2020; Lu and Brilakis, 2019; Maria et al., 2019; Meˇza et al., 2021; Pan and Zhang, 2021). Though the construction industry can draw on lessons from relatively more advanced studies and applications of the digital twin concept in other industries (e.g., manufacturing), the needs and solutions that work in
Page
17
Introduction 3 these scenarios may not necessarily be applicable to the unique needs of the construction industry(e.g., Barima, 2017a). Aggregated and longitudinal research focused on the examination of the digital twin concept in the construction industry is the only credible way to build and establish the concepts and empirical application of digital twins in the industry. Additionally, among the relatively few recent emerging studies in the digital twin domain in the construction industry literature, few studies have focused on consolidating the often disparate and potentially discordant definitions of digital twins inherited from studies in other industry sectors (Meˇza et al., 2021; Negri et al., 2017; Wahbeh et al., 2020). There is still an ongoing struggle in consolidating the definitions of digital twins in the literature (Fuller et al., 2020; Negri et al., 2017; Pedersen et al., 2021; Wahbeh et al., 2020). Certain scholars have even described the digital twin-related literature as fragmented (e.g., Autiosalo et al., 2020). Yet, consolidating the disparate views and definitions of digital twins for focused application in the construction industry can be useful for both research and practice. The digital twin has also, in most cases, been touted as an apparent panacea in the literature (e.g., Glaessgen and Stargel, 2012; Grieves, 2014; Madni et al., 2019; Parrott and Warshaw, 2017), yet there can be significant challenges linked to its application (e.g., Fuller et al., 2020; Goasduff, 2018; Wright and Davidson, 2020). Examining such challenges in tandem with digital twin benefits is imperative to advance practice in this emerging research area in the construction-related literature. Moreover, from a practical perspective, rarely have studies given attention to the extant ecosystem and the range of evolving vendor technologies available for practitioner selection in digital twin applications in the construction industry. Additionally, integrated frameworks to support capacity building and deployment of digital twins for construction value delivery are scanty.
Page
18
Oliver Barima 4 These highlighted important issues require attention to extend theory and practice in construction value delivery via digital twins. Value plays a central role in construction project delivery (e.g., Barima, 2010). Digital twins can play a significant role in construction value delivery. Yet, it is essential to examine extant knowledge gaps in the use of digital twins in the construction industry to enhance better delivery. This study seeks to fill part of the indicated gaps in the literature. The study seeks to add the following to the extant construction industry-related literature: Extract, structure and integrate the clustered lenses that underpin the disparate definitions/meanings of digital twins in the literature. The study deepens extant knowledge by distilling the underpinning philosophical reasoning, conceptually latent clustered lenses, and implicit assumptions applied by various scholars to define or enhance the meaning of the digital twin concept in the literature. Then the study extends this latter revelation by proposing a new thought stream that can be added to the distilled extant clusters to both enhance knowledge building and also give a holistic, integrated picture of the state of knowledge in this domain. Distill working definition for the digital twin concept to guide construction industry-related research and practice. The study shows the use of the extracted latent lenses to guide and deliver tailored definitions for this work. Explore the digital twin concept, principles and applicable technologies available in the digital twin eco- system. Examine the potential benefits and challenges in the use of the digital twin concept. The study provides enhanced knowledge by showing that beyond the hype, the deployment of digital twins in the construction industry can entail several challenges.
Page
19
Introduction 5 Provide an annotated guide of digital twin technologies available in the ecosystem which construction industry actors can deploy to enhance construction value delivery. And also explore deployment paths, readiness and capacity building issues that can reinforce the use of digital twins in the construction industry. Provide directions to areas for further research in the digital twin domain from strategic and tactical views to advance scientific inquiry and also enhance practice in construction value delivery. And also distill an integrated process-based conceptual model that can inspire future research and the thoughtful, practical use of digital twins by relevant decision makers to deliver construction value. The rest of the research is organized as follows. First, the study presents the methods applied to deliver this work. Second, the text disentangles the meaning of the digital twin concept to set the research in context. The study examines the meaning of the concept from several perspectives to extract the latent clustered lenses that underpin the definitions of digital twins in the literature. This is then followed by the distillation of a construction industry-focused working definition of digital twins. Third, the text discusses the types, allied concepts, potential levels and scales of application in the digital twin domain to enhance knowledge. Additionally, the research reviews the marked distinction of the digital twin concept from other extant model-based concepts applied in the construction industry. Fourth, the study examines the benefits and challenges in the application of the digital twin concept in the construction industry. Fifth, the research reviews a sample of digital twin technologies, deployment and capacity building paths, which can be leveraged in construction value delivery. Finally, the study discusses the implications of the digital twin concept for research and practice in the
Page
20
Oliver Barima 6 construction industry. It also suggests areas for future research prior to the conclusions. Figure 2 captures the four linked worlds that will be navigated in the study. Thus the text explores the linked worlds 1 & 2 (virtual and real worlds) with a focus on the examination of coupled digital twins through specific practical and theoretical lenses (3 & 4), which can reinforce each other in advancing knowledge. Figure 2. Integrated navigated worlds in the study.
The above is a preview of the first 20 pages. Register to read the complete e-book.
AI Reading Assistant
Whole-book reading guide from stratified index samples; jump to passages in the text
AI guide
【One-Line Pitch】
A literature-based dissection of what digital twins actually mean, where they can create value in construction, and why adoption remains hard—written for practitioners, researchers, and students who need a clear conceptual map before investing in the technology.
【Book Arc】
- **Opening (~0%–15%)**: Frames the problem: digital twin (DT) interest is rising across industries, but definitions are fragmented and the construction/AEC literature lacks consolidated, practice-ready guidance. Introduces the study's hybrid literature-review method and its four "linked worlds" (real, virtual, and two analytical lenses).
- **Early (~15%–35%)**: Builds conceptual foundations. Triangulates first-order (detailed, cross-disciplinary) definitions of DTs, then second-order (more granular) definitions, showing how manufacturing, IT/software, urban planning, and infrastructure perspectives differ.
- **Middle (~35%–50%)**: Distills the book's analytical core: 7 basic reasoning tools and 8 lenses (use-based, configuration/design-based, systems-based, software-based, lifecycle-based, evolutionary rethinking, hybrid, and a proposed holistic "umbrella vault" view) that underpin DT definitions, culminating in a construction-focused working definition.
- **Middle (~50%–60%)**: Examines opportunities and benefits—how DTs address traditional engineering design inadequacies, plus generic strategic and tactical opportunities for construction value delivery.
- **Late (~60%–80%)**: Confronts challenges and the vendor ecosystem. An annotated guide surveys contextually linked technologies, tailored DT software solutions and trends, generic application steps, and readiness/capability maturity models (CMM) for capacity building.
- **Ending (~80%–100%)**: Sets a future research agenda at strategic industry and tactical levels, offers an integrated conceptual process diagram, and concludes with an appendix and references.
【Key Takeaways】
- **Definitions are discipline-bound, not universal** (Early): Manufacturing, software, and urban-planning definitions of DTs emphasize different features; the book argues consolidation is necessary before construction can apply the concept coherently.
- **Reasoning tools and lenses are the book's distinctive contribution** (Middle): Seven reasoning tools (e.g., ontological construction, utility-based extraction, contextual boundary setting, conceptual dynamism) and eight lenses give readers a structured way to interpret any DT definition they encounter.
- **The "perfect mirror" metaphor is contested** (Middle): Some scholars argue exact real-time mirroring is impossible and propose reframing DTs as cyber-physical-social systems with sensing, agency, and self-preserving properties.
- **Benefits are framed around design and value delivery** (Middle): DTs are positioned as remedies for traditional engineering design inadequacies, with both strategic and tactical opportunities for construction practice.
- **Challenges are treated as first-class, not an afterthought** (Late): The book deliberately pairs benefits with adoption barriers, countering the "panacea" framing common in DT literature.
- **Annotated technology guide bridges concept and practice** (Late): A curated sample of DT platforms, software solutions, and generic application steps helps practitioners shortlist tools rather than start from scratch.
- **Capacity building is a named gap** (Late): Readiness assessment and capability maturity models are offered because integrated frameworks for DT deployment in construction remain scarce.
- **Research directions are split by level** (Ending): Future work is organized into strategic industry-focused and tactical-level agendas, with an integrated conceptual process diagram to guide scholars.
【Reading Tips】
- **Deep-read the definitional chapters (Early–Middle)**: The lenses and reasoning tools are the book's backbone; skimming them makes later benefit/challenge chapters feel like lists.
- **Skim the literature-review methodology (Early)**: The keyword-search and forward/backward-search details matter for researchers but can be passed over by practitioners.
- **Use the annotated guide as a reference, not a narrative (Late)**: Treat the technology annotations and CMM discussion as a lookup section when evaluating vendors or planning capability growth.
- **Read challenges alongside benefits**: The book's value comes from pairing the two; reading them separately risks either hype or undue pessimism.
- **Researchers: start with the future-research chapter (Ending)** to identify gaps before working backward into the conceptual chapters.
【Coverage Limits】
This guide is based on stratified excerpts covering the front matter, table of contents, definitional chapters, and lens tables; the excerpts do not cover the full text of the benefits, challenges, annotated technology guide, or conclusion chapters, so those sections are summarized from chapter titles and framing rather than detailed content.
Passage locations
Page 12
y, there are a number of challenges associated with its use. But research, technological advances, and accumulated lessons from practice can strengthen its u...
View in text
Excerpt 2
tic overview of the activities used to deliver this work. The data search, data treatment and research delivery activities were driven by the goals/objective...
View in text
Excerpt 3
the physical process in real-time. Batty (2018) also calls for the need to define applications of digital twins based on time- frequency frames (see section...
View in text
Excerpt 4
egrated Bajaj et al., 2016; Underpinned by the leverage of link of the digital twins physical objects connection and Grieves and time-based analogy to physic...
View in text
Recommended for You
{{#thumbnailUrl}}
{{/thumbnailUrl}}
{{^thumbnailUrl}}
{{/thumbnailUrl}}
Loading recommended books...
Failed to load, please try again later
Tip the Site
Scan the WeChat Pay or Alipay code to tip. No login required.
WeChat Pay
Alipay