Abstract
The construction industry has a significant impact in terms of financial and environmental resources but is vastly behind other sectors in terms of digitalization. The potential of this industry to be improved by new technology has been
reflected in huge trends in research for terms such as “digital twins”. However, the purpose of such technologies and how they can be applied to specific needs and assets in the construction sector is not always clear. This paper proposes an analysis of the purpose, current and future states of digital twins in the construction industry, based on a review of the evolution of research in the topic and recent market applications. Even though there is a discrepancy between research and level of development of tangible applications, it is undeniable that the digital transformation will reach the construction industry. The efforts should then be focused on technology that can be translated to its assets, such as smart management, and
will generate tangible results that can survive outside the theoretical realm.
reflected in huge trends in research for terms such as “digital twins”. However, the purpose of such technologies and how they can be applied to specific needs and assets in the construction sector is not always clear. This paper proposes an analysis of the purpose, current and future states of digital twins in the construction industry, based on a review of the evolution of research in the topic and recent market applications. Even though there is a discrepancy between research and level of development of tangible applications, it is undeniable that the digital transformation will reach the construction industry. The efforts should then be focused on technology that can be translated to its assets, such as smart management, and
will generate tangible results that can survive outside the theoretical realm.