Civil Infrastructure Digital Twins: Multi-Level Knowledge Map, Research Gaps, and Future Directions

Abstract

Digital Twins (DTs) have received considerable attention as an emerging technology in recent years, which can offer advantages for improving the performance of infrastructures. However, the inherent complexity of infrastructures alongside the nascent nature of digital twins in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry hinders the adoption of infrastructure digital twins (IDTs). The lack of common understanding among different stakeholders has been noted as one of the most significant roadblocks to implementing IDTs in practice. This study is a quantitative attempt to address this gap by providing different stakeholders with a multi-layer knowledge map by analyzing 139 identified IDTs in three levels of bibliometric and social network analyses. First, knowledge themes are extracted from the most-frequent journals to provide an overview of IDT knowledge. Second, a combination of co-citation analysis and social network theories illustrated six clusters of IDT knowledge and their relationships. Third, the co-occurrence network of keywords revealed where, why, and what enabling technologies have been employed so far. These findings were synthesized into a three-layer knowledge map to not only illustrate the maturity level and evolution potentials of each layer but also serve as a hierarchical strategic plan recommending future direction to decision-makers, researchers, and practitioners.INDEX TERMS Bibliometric analysis, civil infrastructures, digital twins, knowledge map, systematic review.

Assessing the Scholarly Landscape: A Bibliometric Journey through Credit Rating Agency Research

“…The bibliometric method is used to explore the topic of 'credit rating agencies and credibility,' a popular method of reviewing literature where quantitative tools are applied to bibliographic data (Broadus, 1987). Bibliometric analysis is a powerful tool used to map and visualize scientific studies within a specific knowledge domain (Naderi & Shojaei, 2022). It helps to discover hidden connections and trends in the literature using advancements in computing technology, scientific indexing, and data visualization techniques (Hao et al, 2018).…”

A review of drivers and barriers of Digital Twin adoption in building project development processes

“…Similarly, for enhancing DT understanding and integration into the AECO industry, (Opoku et al 2023) proposed organizing various workshops, science fairs, innovative forums, conferences, and seminars to educate stakeholders, top-level management, and clients on DT benefits. Furthermore, it was suggested by (Naderi and Shojaei 2022) that conducting interdisciplinary research across various knowledge domains is crucial for DT implementation. Additionally, they proposed that prominent journals should establish special issues focused on sustainability, encompassing the social, organizational, and economic dimensions of implementing DT.…”

Structural design and construction using energy analytical modelling for sustainability: a review

“…This approach could also result in cost savings, improved energy efficiency, reduced waste, and reduced GHG emissions [102,84]. By integrating energy simulation analysis with BIM, architects and engineers can examine the BEP at the early design stages and make necessary changes to achieve EE buildings [78,103]. BIM can also be used to identify the optimal orientation of the building, shading devices, and glazing types to optimize BEP [104].…”