Benefits of adopting digital twin technology (dtt) in the Nigerian construction industry

Arowoiya, V.; Oke, A.; Chan, M. and Adelusi, A. (2026) Benefits of adopting digital twin technology (dtt) in the Nigerian construction industry. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(7), pp. 1134-1148. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

Digital twin technology is a revolution that has created substantial benefits across different industries. However, its adoption level is limited, especially in the developing construction sectors. The study elicited information from construction professionals using a random sampling approach. A survey design was adopted to comprehend the level of benefits, with a 50.9% response rate. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected, i.e. MIS and factor analysis. The study revealed a reduction in inaccurate prediction under shear loading, realistic data for accurate prediction, and real-time detection for repairs and replacement were the top benefits of the Digital Twin (DT). The least rated benefits were data for building maintenance, faster production times, and improved productivity and collaboration. Factor analysis was used to group the variables into five components: project monitoring and sustainability, enhanced project implementation and maintenance, improved production, data monitoring, and construction and operational efficiency. Enhancing construction management was the only factor that had significant differences in the opinions of professionals, while others had similar opinions among professionals. The paper contributes to comprehending the level of benefits and adoption of DT in organizations. This also served as a reference point for extensive research in other developing climes and gave insight into the perceived benefits of professionals. However, the study has some shortfalls, including in-depth interviews using case studies of some construction organizations.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: adoption; benefits;developing countries; digital twin; professionals
Index terms: efficiency, construction organization, case study, productivity, monitoring, construction professional, factor analysis, sampling, statistics, loading, implementation, construction industry, interview, developing country, building maintenance, survey, collaboration, digital twin, construction sector, repair, replacement, project monitoring
Subjects: professional development, management, performance management, industry analysis, statistical analysis, control systems, data collection methods, mathematical modelling, development economics, maintenance engineering, materials science, construction type, digital engineering, organization, construction operations, contractual arrangements
Topics: Engineering Principles, Project Management, Procurement, Quality Management, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Construction Technology, Digital Applications, International Construction, Organizational Design, Site Management
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