The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction
Publications / 2025 Proceedings of the 42nd ISARC, Montreal, Canada
Harnessing Digital Twins for Construction Site Management
Digital Twins (DTs) is transforming construction by providing real-time, data-informed solutions that improve project workflows and can aid in achieving decarbonization objectives. In construction, DT was mainly implemented in the operation & maintenance phase. However, by combining DTs functionalities of real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, sophisticated simulations, and collaborative decision-making, construction site management can be revolutionized by enabling site managers and stakeholders to refine construction processes, enhance resource use, lower emissions, boost quality, and reduce expenses. These features tackle essential issues like operational inefficiencies, resource depletion, and communication failures, providing a more integrated and sustainable method for managing construction site activities. This study uses a Systematics literature review (SLR) to thoroughly examine the function of DTs for onsite construction management, emphasizing their application in managing safety, logistics and material, emissions and energy, quality assurance and detection, real-time decision support, dust, noise, and vibration monitoring, digital collaboration and issue resolution, and real-time worker productivity tracking. Conversely, DTs can facilitate accurate monitoring of carbon emissions and encourage eco-friendly construction methods by integrating technologies such as Internet of Things sensors, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, DT-driven workflows, including prefabrication and modular building, promote waste reduction and energy conservation, harmonizing onsite activities with net-zero carbon objectives. This research highlights the crucial functions of DTs in optimizing onsite construction workflows, showing their ability to transform the industry and aid in moving towards a more sustainable and decarbonized built environment.
