Diaz Schery, C. A.; Caiado, R. G. G.; Ivson, P.; Santos, R. S. and Thadeu Corseuil, E. (2026) An integrative framework for BIM, digital twin and generative AI convergence in construction: A multi-dimensional analysis of synergies and enabling factors. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, pp. 1-39. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose – This study develops an integrative framework for understanding the convergence of Digital Twin (DT), Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in the construction industry. While these technologies are transforming construction practices, existing research lacks a comprehensive framework that explains their synergistic integration patterns and enabling factors across the project lifecycle. Design/methodology/approach – A bibliometric-systematic literature review (B-SLR) methodology was employed, analysing 40 carefully selected journal articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases. The analysis combined quantitative bibliometric techniques with qualitative content analysis to identify convergence patterns, map theoretical foundations, and develop an integrative framework. Findings – The study presents a multi-dimensional framework revealing: (1) five primary technology integration patterns (BIM-DT, DT-AI, BIM-AI, BIM-DT-AI, and BIM-DT-Blockchain); (2) four dimensions of synergy (design and planning, construction and monitoring, operation and maintenance, and sustainability and energy efficiency); (3) ten specific synergy areas enabled by GAI integration; and (4) a comprehensive taxonomy of technological, organisational, and regulatory enabling factors. The framework demonstrates how DT is the central convergence point, with implementation challenges equally distributed across interoperability, data security, skills gaps, and regulatory compliance. Originality/value – This study contributes an original integrative framework that advances the theoretical understanding of multi-technology convergence in construction. Unlike previous reviews, it provides a structured model for analysing technology integration patterns, identifies specific enabling factors for each integration type, and offers a roadmap for practitioners and policymakers. The framework addresses critical gaps in understanding how BIM, DT, and GAI can be synergistically implemented to enhance construction project outcomes.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM; construction innovation; digital twin; GAI; integration framework; multi-dimensional analysis; technology convergence |
| Index terms: | foundations, blockchain, operation and maintenance, systematic literature review, journal, taxonomy, energy efficiency, methodology, construction innovation, dimension, building information modelling, interoperability, practitioner, implementation, database, regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence, integration, content analysis, digital twin, monitoring, construction project, science, project lifecycle, construction industry, synergy |
| Subjects: | information systems, contractual arrangements, partnership management, research methods, industry analysis, research dissemination and communication, production management, control systems, structural engineering, organizational analysis, digital engineering, data analysis and analytics, specialized education, research evaluation and metrics, artificial intelligence, project completion, environmental policy, health monitoring assessment and metrics, sustainability and energy, practitioner, data management, maintenance engineering, systems and processes, building construction, computing systems |
| Topics: | Education, Roles and Professions, Health and Safety, Stakeholder Management, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Engineering Principles, Organizational Design, Project Management, Research Practice, Procurement, Site Management, Sustainability |
| 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