Digital twins for enhanced construction project management

PurposeThis paper aims to fill the research gap on digital twin technology and its broad applicability during construction by shedding light on its interaction with Building Information Modeling (BIM) from a construction project management perspective. It presented the true potential of the digital twins in the construction phase of the project lifecycle.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employed a two-step methodology that included a comprehensive synthesis of the literature on digital twins through the construction management lens and a questionnaire survey to assess the impact of digital twin services brought to light on parallel BIM uses.FindingsThe paper provides validated applications and many advantages of the digital twin on construction project management. It suggests that the industry should take advantage of 10 digital twin services introduced to eliminate the low efficiency and lack of productivity that the construction industry is still facing.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is one of the rare and pioneering studies that addresses the interaction between the digital twin and BIM from a construction management perspective with a quantitative approach examining the reflection of academic publications on the industry and their reception among industry professionals.Practical implicationsThe paper provides a meaningful definition for the industry by grounding the concept of digital twin in existing technologies and their practical applications. This provides a roadmap for managers to approach the problems and BIM limitations they need to overcome in their companies or projects with tailor-made solutions.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the pioneering quantitative studies that fulfills an identified need to investigate digital twin technology for construction management and its extensive applicability for quickly evolving construction sites.