Waqar, A. and Shafiq, N. (2026) Impact of digital twin technology implementation on the lifecycle management of structural assets. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(7), pp. 5715-5736. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This study explores the transformative impact of digital twin (DT) technology on structural asset lifecycle management. The primary aim of this research is to empirically evaluate the impact of DT technology on the lifecycle management of structural assets. The study specifically investigates how key DT components – such as data integration, real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and interoperability – enhance operational efficiency, cost control and risk management. Design/methodology/approach – A multistage methodology was employed, incorporating expert interviews and a comprehensive survey of 231 respondents. Principal component analysis (PCA) and bootstrapping analysis were applied to analyze the data and uncover significant patterns and relationships. Findings – The results demonstrate a significant positive impact of DT technology on lifecycle management outcomes, with operational efficiency achieving a strong effect size (O = 0.878, variance inflation factor [VIF] = 2.278). These findings highlight the potential of DTs to revolutionize asset management by improving efficiency, enhancing cost control and reducing risks. Originality/value – This research contributes to the growing body of literature on disruptive technologies in asset management by providing actionable insights for improved asset performance. It emphasizes the need to transition from conventional, reactive methods to innovative, data-driven strategies using DT technology.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | digital twin technology; lifecycle management; predictive maintenance; real-time monitoring; structural asset management |
| Index terms: | efficiency, interoperability, integration, risk management, inflation, implementation, asset management, principal component analysis, predictive maintenance, lifecycle, cost control, monitoring, variance, strategy, interview, digital twin, survey, methodology |
| Subjects: | control systems, research methods, management, asset management, systems and processes, organizational analysis, contractual arrangements, maintenance engineering, project delivery, data collection methods, financial and cost management, performance management, risk assessment, economic analysis, digital engineering, measurement and scaling, statistical analysis |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Organizational Design, Cost Management, Procurement, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Digital Applications, Project Management, Quality Management, 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