Synergies Between Construction 4.0 Technologies and Sustainable Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

In November of 2021, world leaders united in the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), and they set a Building Vision for a Zero Emission and Resilient Built Environment, Regions and Cities. The Architectural, Engineering, and Construction industry (AEC) is responsible for the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of the built environment- thus, playing a critical role in supporting and leading these endeavors. With the ongoing efforts to digitize the AEC industry by implementing and integrating innovative technologies in the industry’s main practices, the aim of this research is to investigate the contribution of three major technologies that are considered under the umbrella of Construction 4.0 namely Building Information Modeling (BIM), advanced manufacturing (including 3D printing, modular construction, offsite construction, and prefabrication) and Digital Twins. Building on insights collected from the extant research corpus through a systematic literature review of the published scientific research, this paper proposes a blueprint for the three Construction 4.0 technologies and their overarching influence on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Bibliometric analysis was employed to map the currently discussed technologies, and group them into themes based on their “combat capabilities” and contribution to sustainability. The analysis resulted in three major clusters: (1) Sustainable Design and Modelling lead by BIM, (2) Lifecycle Sustainability Assessment led by prefabrication, modular construction, and offsite construction, and (3) Sustainable Construction and Performance led by Digital Twins and 3D printing. Findings of the paper will serve as the foundation for future work that will map the expand on the clusters and mark their respective technologies to the SDGs.