A Digital Twin Execution Plan for Construction Projects

Summary

Digital twins (DTs) have emerged as a powerful technology enabling seamless data exchange between physical construction sites and virtual digital models. However, successful DT implementation requires addressing both technical requirements and social readiness within construction organisations. This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to develop a comprehensive Digital Twin Execution Plan (DTEP) framework to guide the adoption of DTs as socio-technical systems in construction projects.

This research will develop and empirically validate a DTEP through expert inputs and case studies. Key objectives include:

1. Investigate current industry practices, challenges and requirements for DT implementation through interviews and surveys with construction professionals.
2. Formulate a detailed, multi-level DTEP covering aspects like performance metrics, training, process re-engineering, infrastructure planning, and cultural transition.
3. Validate the DTEP through pilot implementations on real construction projects and iterate based on feedback.
4. Develop mechanisms to model the dynamic interrelationships between the social and technical dimensions within the socio-technical DT framework using systems modelling approaches.
5. Benchmark the framework against established practices in other sectors such as manufacturing to identify improvement opportunities.
6. Explore policy, legal and commercial considerations surrounding DTEP adoption as contractual requirements.

Expected Outputs:

• A validated DTEP framework synthesising technical and social factors for DT implementation
• Simulation models capturing socio-technical system dynamics
• Implementation guides and toolkits for construction stakeholders

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.