Digital twin technology (DTT) in a developing construction industry: Evaluation of the awareness and usage among professionals in Nigeria

Oke, A E; Arowoiya, V A; Chan, M and Oyediran, A (2025) Digital twin technology (DTT) in a developing construction industry: Evaluation of the awareness and usage among professionals in Nigeria. International Journal of Construction Management, 25(11), pp. 1313-1323. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

Technological innovations play a crucial role in project delivery across all sectors of the economy. This research seeks to assess the awareness of digital twin technology (DTT) among construction industry professionals to promote the sustainable completion of construction projects. A quantitative approach was adopted by using a survey questionnaire with convenience sampling. Questionnaires were self-administered to gather information about the industry professionals' awareness and utilization of DTT in construction projects. Mean Item Score (MIS), Standard Deviation (SD), Spearman, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the collected data. Professionals within the construction industry have demonstrated a high level of familiarity with various technological advancements with computer systems, Wi-Fi, 2D Graphics, Vertex Digital twin platform, and GPS identified as the most commonly utilized tools in the field. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between DTT awareness and usage levels. The study provided valuable information on the present awareness and DTT utilization within the construction sector. It proposed methods through which professionals can familiarize themselves with empowering tools to enhance productivity and performance within the industry.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: awareness; construction industry; digital twin technology; technology; usage
Index terms: construction project, questionnaire, construction sector, digital twin, computer system, survey, technological innovation, sampling, construction industry, project delivery, platform, productivity, deviation, Nigeria, correlation analysis
Subjects: production management, Geography, digital design, digital engineering, innovation and technology management, management, industry analysis, statistical analysis, data collection methods, computing systems, project delivery, financial and cost management
Topics: Research Practice, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Geographical Context, Procurement
Descriptive scope: 5 PCTEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here