Relationship between digital twin and building information modeling: a systematic review and future directions

Abstract

Purpose Digital twin (DT) and building information modeling (BIM) are interconnected in some ways. However, there has been some misconception about how DT differs from BIM. As a result, industry professionals reject DT even in BIM-based construction projects due to reluctance to innovate. Furthermore, researchers have repeatedly developed tools and techniques with the same goals using DT and BIM to assist practitioners in construction projects. Therefore, this study aims to assist industry professionals and researchers in understanding the relationship between DT and BIM and synthesize existing works on DT and BIM. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted on published articles related to DT and BIM. A total record of 54 journal articles were identified and analyzed. Findings The analysis of the selected journal articles revealed four types of relationships between DT and BIM: BIM is a subset of DT, DT is a subset of BIM, BIM is DT, and no relationship between BIM and DT. The existing research on DT and BIM in construction projects targets improvements in five areas: planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning. In addition, several areas have emerged, such as developing geo-referencing approaches for infrastructure projects, applying the proposed methodology to other construction geometries and creating 3D visualization using color schemes. Originality/value This study contributed to the existing body of knowledge by overviewing existing research related to DT and BIM in construction projects. Also, it reveals research gaps in the body of knowledge to point out directions for future research.

Agent-Based Modeling for Construction Resource Positioning Using Digital Twin and BLE Technologies

“…ABM's ability to simulate various operational scenarios helps project managers explore different strategies to optimize productivity and preempt potential problems. This capacity is particularly valuable for complex logistic scenarios where human factors significantly influence outcomes [19][20][21][22].…”

Graph Database and Matrix-Based Intelligent Generation of the Assembly Sequence of Prefabricated Building Components

“…BIM (Building Information Model) is an internationally defined term that refers to a "shared digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of any built object which forms a reliable basis for decisions" [27]. Generally, data-sharing issues in BIM projects are resolved using a standardized file exchange format, namely, Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) [28].…”

Drivers, Capabilities, and Challenges for Adopting Digital Twin in Facility Management: A Profound Qualitative Investigation

“…It also allows the collection of information about a physical asset throughout its life cycle and continuously monitors all project processes (Ozturk, 2021). In contrast, design visualizations, quick design choices creation, automated model reliability analysis, report generation, and asset performance forecasting are all made possible by BIM (Radzi et al, 2023). In other words, DT and BIM can resolve several challenges during construction projects and improve project effectiveness (Radzi et al, 2023).…”

“…In contrast, design visualizations, quick design choices creation, automated model reliability analysis, report generation, and asset performance forecasting are all made possible by BIM (Radzi et al, 2023). In other words, DT and BIM can resolve several challenges during construction projects and improve project effectiveness (Radzi et al, 2023). However, there are still misconceptions about the connection between DT and BIM.…”