Digital Twins in the Construction Industry for Continuous Process Improvement: A Systematic Literature Review

Fernández Paucar C.A. · International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.14445/22315381/ijett-v74i2p117

Resumen

This systematic literature review analyzes fifty peer-reviewed studies that address the use of digital twin technology in the construction industry. The objective of the review is to examine how digital twins contribute to process improvement and productivity enhancement when compared with conventional monitoring and control approaches. The study selection process was conducted using the PRISMA methodology, supported by the PICOC framework, and focused on publications indexed in the Scopus database. The analyzed literature reports that the implementation of digital twins enables measurable gains in operational productivity-frequently reported at around 30%-and contributes to error reduction on construction sites through real-time data integration, advanced simulation models, and data-informed decision-making. Despite these reported benefits, adoption in the construction sector remains limited. Common barriers identified include insufficient digital competencies, regulatory and organizational constraints, and the complexity associated with managing large volumes of heterogeneous data. Based on the reviewed evidence, this study highlights the need for coordinated digital transformation strategies, greater interoperability with technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and cyber-physical systems, and clearer implementation guidelines to strengthen the role of digital twins as a practical and sustainable tool within construction processes.