Al Mahmud, J; Arefin, S and Ahmmed, M I (2026) Uncovering the research tapestry: Bibliometric insights into BIM and LCA – exploring trends, collaborations and future directions. Construction Innovation, 26(1), pp. 123-146. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to examine the historical development, present state and potential future directions of the integration between building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) in the field of construction. Additionally, this paper identifies current problems while offering insight into worldwide BIM research trends. Design/methodology/approach – This study uses text mining on unstructured abstracts, a novel approach not previously documented in BIM research. By conducting a comprehensive systematic assessment of academic literature, this work uses advanced bibliometric approaches to examine the developmental trajectory of the integration of BIM and LCA. The research incorporates co-citation and keyword co-occurrence mapping, providing a complex visual depiction of the interconnectedness of information across different periods. Findings – The results of this analysis reveal the historical development of the integration of BIM and LCA, including its roots and the initial research that established the foundation for further investigations. The aforementioned seminal works signify the inception of the discipline, serving as a source of inspiration for current scholarly investigations. Currently, there is a complex network of interdisciplinary cooperation that can be observed, combining knowledge and perspectives from the fields of design, engineering, construction and sustainability. Originality/value – This research contributes novelty to the scholarly discourse by offering a holistic and up-to-date panorama of the dynamic BIM and LCA research landscape. It identifies emerging trends, influential contributors and uncharted territories, thus providing a foundation for scholars to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable construction practices.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bibliometric analysis; building information modeling; carbon emission; construction industry; life cycle assessment; sustainability |
| Index terms: | mining, collaboration, investigation, panorama, methodology, integration, life cycle assessment, carbon emission, historical development, bibliometric analysis, mapping, cooperation, sustainable construction practice, construction industry, building information modelling |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, psychology, organizational analysis, geotechnical engineering, spatial and geospatial analysis, research evaluation and metrics, environmental impact, data collection methods, sustainable construction, information systems, architectural and construction history, management, climate science, research methods, visualization |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Information Management, Digital Applications, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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