Underutilized Potential: A Review of Digital Twin Implementation in Preconstruction

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Jaswanthi Anandha Sudhan, Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez and Brent Pilgrim

Abstract

Emerging technologies in the construction industry include Digital Twins (DTs), which are dynamic digital replicas of physical systems. While DTs are increasingly used in operations and maintenance, their application in preconstruction remains underutilized despite significant potential benefits such as design validation, risk mitigation, real-time estimating, change management, and sustainability assessments. This review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2025. Studies highlight the importance of early DT implementation, yet empirical evidence and standardized workflows for such integration are limited. Sensor cost modeling and lifecycle optimization are particularly underexplored, with very few frameworks providing economic assessments of DTs. Technological and organizational challenges persist, including data interoperability between BIM and DT systems, latency in sensor feedback loops, lack of standardized data and cybersecurity protocols, and cultural resistance to digital transformation. The review highlights the need for pilot projects to validate data, robust data-delivery systems, interoperability standards, and interdisciplinary collaboration to advance DT implementation in the preconstruction phase. Overall, this review underscores the importance of continued research to enable the adoption of Digital Twin technologies in early project phases.

Keyphrases: construction, construction technology, digital twins, preconstruction, sensors

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 585-594.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/HnRS
	https://doi.org/10.29007/ljkp

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Underutilized_Potential_Review_Digital,
  author    = {Jaswanthi Anandha Sudhan and Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez and Brent Pilgrim},
  title     = {Underutilized Potential: A Review of Digital Twin Implementation in Preconstruction},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/HnRS},
  doi       = {10.29007/ljkp},
  pages     = {585-594},
  year      = {2026}}

Download PDF Open PDF in browser