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Article

A Bibliometric Review of the Trends of Construction Digitalization Research in the Past Ten Years

by
Simon Ofori Ametepey
1,2,3,
Clinton Aigbavboa
2,
Hutton Addy
1,* and
Wellington Didibhuku Thwala
4
1
Centre for Sustainable Development (CenSUD), Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua 03420, Ghana
2
Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
3
Department of Building Technology, Faculty of Built Environment, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua 03420, Ghana
4
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Walter Sisulu University, East London 5200, South Africa
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092729 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 23 July 2024 / Revised: 17 August 2024 / Accepted: 29 August 2024 / Published: 31 August 2024
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
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Versions Notes

Abstract

:
The adoption of digital technologies into construction practices has become a critical area of interest, particularly in addressing challenges related to efficiency, quality, and sustainability. This study focuses on the impacts of digital technologies such as building information modeling (BIM), automation, and blockchain on the construction industry. An in-depth bibliometric analysis of the literature from 2013 to 2023 was conducted using data from the Elsevier Scopus database. Employing the key terms “Construction” and “Digitalization” in the Scopus database ensured that this research systematically identified and examined relevant articles related to digital technologies in construction. Advanced tools like the VOS viewer were used to analyze bibliometric networks, providing insights into current research trends within the built environment sector. The findings strongly focused on digital modeling, automation, and blockchain technologies. The findings also revealed new paradigms such as smart contracts and modular construction. This investigation enhances the academic discourse by elucidating the various nuances, ongoing developments, and future directions in the evolving field of construction digitalization research.

1. Introduction

The construction industry holds a pivotal role in shaping society, responsible for the creation of buildings, structures, and environments that link communities, provide employment opportunities, and elevate the overall well-being of society [1]. In the collective pursuit of global sustainable development by 2030, this industry has a critical role to play, particularly in prioritizing projects that emphasize environmental responsibility and social accountability [2,3,4]. The construction industry stands as one of the largest economic sectors globally, with construction-related expenditures constituting about 13% of the global economy and an estimated annual revenue of approximately USD 10 trillion, projected to reach USD 14 trillion by 2025 [5]. Construction digitization is a key concept ushering in this profound transformation within the construction industry, leveraging digital tools and processes to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Construction digitization is a dynamic force reshaping the built environment, fostering improved designs, efficient processes, and sustainable practices to meet the industry’s evolving needs [6,7]. Furthermore, this digital revolution is fundamentally altering the industry’s traditional practices, with the adoption of smart construction sites enhancing connectivity and reducing miscommunication and errors. The benefits of construction digitization extend to project management, enabling real-time tracking of progress, resource allocation, and cost management with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent decision support systems (DSSs) [8].
Alongside these digital solutions, the construction industry is harnessing the power of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 3D printing, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) [9,10]. Drones and sensors on construction sites are enhancing safety measures and data-driven decision-making. Innovative building materials that are both robust and eco-friendly are on the rise, promising sustainable and resource-efficient structures [11,12]. Construction digitization is also addressing environmental concerns by reducing waste and resource consumption, contributing to an eco-friendly approach [13]. At the core of this digital revolution is building information modeling (BIM), which enables the creation of detailed 3D models to enhance design, planning, and collaboration [14,15]. These advanced digital representations offer stakeholders valuable insights before construction begins, significantly reducing errors and saving both time and resources [13]. Project management software, IoT sensors, and drones are optimizing project oversight, tracking, and safety [16]. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) is giving rise to smart construction sites, improving resource allocation and communication [17].
Innovations in building materials, making them stronger and more sustainable, are contributing to the longevity and eco-friendliness of structures. Construction digitization addresses environmental concerns by minimizing waste and resource consumption [18]. However, challenges, such as workforce upskilling and data security, must be met [19]. The opportunities for the construction industry are substantial, promising greater automation and efficiency and the delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure. In recent years, the concept of construction digitalization has gained significant attention across the construction industry, with a growing emphasis on how digital technologies can transform and enhance construction processes [20,21]. Researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals have increasingly recognized the potential benefits of digitalization. These benefits include improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness and enhanced overall quality and sustainability of construction projects. Consequently, a growing body of literature examines various aspects of construction digitalization, including building information modeling (BIM), robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analytics in construction processes [16,22,23,24].
While previous studies on construction digitalization have made substantial contributions, there is a need for a comprehensive and systematic review of the existing research in this field. This study utilizes bibliometric analysis to examine articles related to construction digitalization research published over the past decade, from 2013 to 2023. This approach enables the identification of research trends, key focus areas, influential publications, leading authors in the field, and collaboration patterns. Additionally, the study investigates the most recent trends within this research domain and provides practical recommendations to shape future research efforts and industry practices. The field of construction digitalization research has seen considerable growth in recent years, underscoring the industry’s increasing acknowledgment of the transformative impact of digital technologies. This bibliometric review seeks to deliver a thorough overview of the research landscape in this field, providing valuable insights into the trends and developments that have influenced construction digitalization research over the past decade. By assessing the current state of research and highlighting emerging areas of interest, this paper adds to the ongoing discussion on how digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize the construction industry.

2. Materials and Methods

The main objective of this study was to comprehensively investigate dominant research themes related to construction digitalization over the recent decade. Utilizing bibliometric methodology, this study endeavored to identify and graphically represent pivotal knowledge domains and recurring keyword trends, illuminating forthcoming research trajectories. As underscored by research conducted by [25,26], the employment of bibliometric techniques facilitated comprehensive and holistic scrutiny of the prevalent literary corpus, surpassing the constraints inherent to conventional manual evaluations. This bibliometric scrutiny adhered to a meticulously devised four-phase strategy, resonating with the protocols articulated by [27,28]. These phases encompassed data acquisition, data refinement employing bibliometric methodologies, data visualization, and evaluation, culminating in an in-depth exploration of the insights gleaned from the bibliometric findings. The predominant repository for data procurement was the expansive Scopus repository. In contemporary times, Scopus has established its prominence, acclaimed for its extensive coverage spanning myriad scholarly disciplines, as acknowledged by [25]. The strength of Scopus lies in its rich reservoir of peer-reviewed content, including journals, books, and conference materials [24]. It also boasts a quicker indexing mechanism compared with other renowned databases like Web of Science (ISI) and Google Scholar [24]. This efficiency positions Scopus as a top choice for academic inquiries [25]. Scopus is distinguished by its extensive coverage of abstracts and citations from the academic literature across various fields, supported by advanced tools for tracking and visualizing research developments. In designing the search criteria, we crafted a thorough and dependable search strategy to encompass all pertinent documents.
The retrieval schema used in Scopus was (TITLE-ABS-KEY) (“Construction”) AND (“Digitalization”), with a focus on content published between 2013 and October 2023. The “TITLE-ABS-KEY” search was applied to identify documents based on the title, abstract, and keywords from journal or conference articles. The initial search yielded 2054 documents using the specified keywords. These documents were then meticulously refined using three criteria: field (Engineering and Computer Science), publication language (English), and type of publication/document (Article, Conference Paper, Book, Book Chapter, and Review). A manual screening process was conducted by excluding irrelevant parameters rather than solely focusing on the desired criteria, resulting in 489 articles. These articles were then extracted as a CSV file for analysis. The CSV file included metadata such as article titles, publication years, author affiliations, abstracts, keywords, volume and page numbers, citation information, reference lists, and digital object identifiers (DOIs). To explore the concept of construction digitalization and its research focus within the construction industry, this study employed the VOS Viewer text-mining tool for a detailed analysis of bibliometric relationships, extracting insights from specific findings. These findings included (1) analysis of the number of publications, (2) analysis of publications by country, (3) analysis of publications by document source, (4) analysis of the most cited publications, (5) analysis of keyword co-occurrence, and (6) focus areas based on the year of publication, as illustrated in Figure 1.

3. Bibliometric Results and Discussion

3.1. Publication per Year

Most publications of the 489 extracted articles on construction digitalization research were conference papers, accounting for 53% of the total. Journal articles, or simply articles, represented a significant 32% of the publications. Meanwhile, book chapters comprised 9%, reviews were 5%, and books made up a minimal 1% of the overall publications. The number of publications per year from 2013 to 2023 showed a clear upward trend, as shown in Figure 2. In 2013, only six articles were published, and this number steadily increased over the years, with some fluctuations in between. Significant growth was observed starting from 2020, with publications increasing to 62 that year, followed by 92 in 2021, and reaching its peak with 127 articles in 2023. This depicted an evolving interest in the topic over the decade. These data suggest that while the topic of construction digitalization has been gaining traction, most of the discourse has taken place in conference settings, followed by traditional journal articles.
Given the current trajectory, it is evident that there is growing interest in this area, emphasizing the potential for further research and exploration in the construction sector. This suggests a growing interest in the topic, likely influenced by the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in construction, known as Construction 4.0, starting in 2013 [29,30,31]. However, given the broad and complex nature of the concept, research on it within the building sector remains limited, making it challenging to establish a clear and specific definition [32,33].
While the construction industry is making strides in embracing digital tools and methodologies, there remains a vast expanse of uncharted territory. This underscores the pressing need for more in-depth research in the hope of realizing a truly integrated digital transformation.

3.2. The Network of Publications per Year

To identify leading contributors in construction digitalization research, the study set criteria requiring countries to have a minimum of 5 publications and two citations, later adjusting to a stricter threshold of at least 12 publications and two citations per country. This methodology spotlighted thirty-two countries as significant contributors, emphasizing the global relevance of digitalization in construction. The foremost contributors were China (99 articles, 364 citations), indicating its leadership in the field, followed by the Russian Federation (61 articles, 77 citations), Germany (48 articles, 413 citations), the United Kingdom (48 articles, 649 citations), and Italy (36 articles, 207 citations), according to Table 1. The United Kingdom, matching Germany in publications, stood out for the higher citation impact of its research. The Russian Federation’s substantial publication count contrasted with its lower citation numbers, suggesting varying international reception of its research.
A closer look at the African landscape revealed that South Africa led the continent with 20 articles and 123 citations in construction digitalization research. This indicated that South Africa was at the forefront of advancing this area of study within the African continent: however, with Malaysia having 12 articles and 95 citations, it was evident that there was a disparity in research output and influence between these two countries. Despite South Africa’s contributions, the African continent is underrepresented in the domain of construction digitalization research [31,34]. Only South Africa has managed to make a notable mark on the global stage. This underscores a significant knowledge gap and suggests that there is vast untapped potential for research in this domain within the continent. These findings highlight the global interest in construction digitalization, with certain countries emerging as predominant contributors and influencers in the research landscape.

3.3. The Publications per Document Source

Subsequently, an analysis was carried out to identify the number of documents based on their source titles, aiming to offer scholars a clearer view of the key journals and conferences concerning digital innovations and their applications in the construction realm. From a pool of 487 assessed articles, 12 satisfied the preset criterion of having a minimum of seven documents and citations for a given source. These articles spanned seven academic journals and five conference proceedings. Notably, one source title hosted as many as eight publications within the outlined duration. Of all the sources, the Automation in Construction journal was notably prominent, boasting 25 articles and receiving a whopping 1205 citations.
This underscored its pivotal role in the research landscape. The journal is acclaimed for publishing groundbreaking studies centered around the integration of automation, robotics, and computational technologies in construction. It accentuates the significance of these advancements, not just in on-site construction tasks but across the comprehensive value chain encompassing varied stakeholders. Table 2 itemizes those source titles that have published a minimum of two articles. With an impressive impact factor of 10.52, Automation in Construction stood out, reinforcing its esteemed position within the academic community. Meanwhile, in terms of the H-index, which indicates the citation influence in the research sector, the Automation in Construction journal, with an H-index of 157, clearly established its leadership. This speaks volumes about the impactful and qualitative content it consistently offers to the research community.

3.4. The Most Cited Publications

The bibliometric analysis highlighted the most frequently cited documents to discern the prevalent trends and focal points in construction publications that had a significant influence within the given period. This examination centered on works cited 59 times or more, marking them as particularly impactful in their domain. Of the 489 assessed documents, 10 stood out based on this criterion, as illustrated in Table 3. The data suggest that the lion’s share of these extensively cited papers gravitated toward themes including digitalization and product innovation, the role of artificial intelligence and blockchain in construction, the significance of cyber-physical systems in Industry 4.0 education, and the evolving potential of technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) and 3D printing in the construction environment.
Some documents discuss the maturity models for the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry’s supply chain, the concept of intelligent contracts, and the relevance and application of digital twins in built environments. There is a burgeoning emphasis on integrating digital advancements into construction, as seen by the prominence of such topics in leading nations. This underscores the escalating recognition of digital technologies and their global transformative potential for the construction sector. Nonetheless, it also hints at existing knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for broader research perspectives, including regions that are currently underrepresented in this discourse, such as Africa, with only the source from [25] with 59 citations on the topic: mapping out research focus for robotics and automation research in construction-related studies.

3.5. Analysis of Co-Occurrence of Keywords

A detailed analysis of the bibliographic data involved creating a co-occurrence map to examine the interrelationships among keywords in construction digitalization research, thereby highlighting major focus areas and the progression of academic discourse [25,44].
Utilizing a threshold of five occurrences for keyword consideration, this approach identified 170 relevant keywords from 3803 across 489 articles. This was later refined to 166 after manually excluding irrelevant terms such as “current”, “survey”, and “students”.
The graphical representation in Figure 3, facilitated by the VOS Viewer 1.6.20 software, visually depicts the frequency and relationships of these keywords, where larger nodes represent more commonly cited keywords and thicker lines indicate stronger connections between them. This bibliometric method, esteemed for its analytical precision, has revealed the main themes and emerging trends in construction digitalization, demonstrating the software’s utility in the literature review and bibliometric studies [25]. The clusters and co-occurrence of keywords are shown in Table 4 below.
Cluster 1—Technological Advancements in Modern Engineering and Design: The red cluster is composed of 12 significant keywords. This cluster, titled “Technological Advancements in Modern Engineering and Design”, delves deeply into the progressive technological terrain of the construction and engineering industry. The keywords, which range from digitalization and digital technologies to e-learning and computer-aided design, underline the transformative nature of today’s engineering realm. This cluster explores the significant impact of digitalization and other digital technologies in the construction and engineering sectors. It highlights how innovations such as virtual reality, big data, and advanced decision-making processes are revolutionizing product design, industrial research, and engineering education. Key studies, including those by [45] on digital technologies and computer-aided design, and research by [46,47] on smart technologies in the digital economy, highlight the shift toward more integrated and innovative approaches in engineering. These are also supported by studies from [39,41] on how advancements are making engineering education more accessible and aligning it closely with real-world challenges. This shift not only meets functional requirements but also addresses the evolving demands of the digital age, making engineering education more accessible and aligning it closely with real-world challenges.
Cluster 2—Integrated Intelligence and Automation in the Built Environment: The green cluster encompasses 11 essential keywords. The theme “Integrated Intelligence and Automation in the Built Environment” emphasizes the transformative role of artificial intelligence, automation, and data-centric technologies in reshaping the modern built environment. It highlights a significant shift toward automation and intelligent systems, including the Internet of Things (IoT), which are transforming office buildings into “intelligent buildings”. Research, including studies by [48,49], illustrates the use of digital twins for both design simulations and real-time operational feedback in building management. This integration of data handling, mining, and computational theory is opening new pathways in information services, turning buildings into data-driven entities with capabilities for self-regulation, predictive maintenance, and dynamic adaptability. The role of AI and data mining in efficient energy management and user-centric adaptations is underscored by the research from [50,51]. The research by [36] displays the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in construction engineering and management, highlighting AI’s evolution and predicting future trends in its application. This is further supported by studies like those by [40,41], which explore the integration of BIM and digitalization in manufacturing supply chains. Further studies by [52,53] indicate that intelligent systems, supported by advanced computation theories, are leading to smarter, more efficient, and sustainable built environments. This cluster presents a future where the fusion of intelligence and automation fundamentally changes our interaction with and expectations of the built environment, highlighting the growing importance of creating harmonized, intelligent spaces.
Cluster 3—Innovative Techniques and Management in Modern Construction and Design: This blue cluster is composed of 10 keywords, with the theme “Innovative Techniques and Management in Modern Construction and Design” illustrating the interplay of modern technology, management practices, and innovative techniques reshaping the construction landscape. Robotics and 3D graphics are revolutionizing the construction industry, enhancing project planning, execution, and environmental sustainability. Robotics are increasing precision and safety, while 3D printing and new materials promote eco-friendly construction. Studies by [54,55] show how these technologies help mitigate environmental impacts. The shift toward strategic human resource management and advanced project management, supported by digital tools [56,57], is improving efficiency and stakeholder coordination. The research by [38] demonstrates how these technologies, such as the CONPrint3D concept for on-site, monolithic 3D printing, contribute to reducing environmental impacts. The research by [35] also demonstrates how digitalization impacts product innovation networks, resulting in new technologies within the construction sector. This trend toward technological integration and innovation is making the construction industry more sustainable, efficient, and prepared for future challenges.
Cluster 4—Sustainable Architectural and Structural Practices in Contemporary Construction: This yellow cluster is represented by seven integral keywords. The trend in architectural design is increasingly aligning with sustainable development, aiming to produce structures that are both visually attractive and environmentally friendly. Ref. [58] emphasizes the significance of life cycle analysis in assessing a building’s environmental impact from start to finish. Building information modeling (BIM) is pivotal in integrating sustainability early in the design process, supported by research from [59,60,61], which shows BIM’s role in making construction more transparent and efficient. Structural advancements and technologies like RFID for asset management are improving the construction industry’s transparency, efficiency, and environmental consideration, as noted by [62,63]. This blend of innovation and sustainability is guiding modern construction toward ecological integrity without sacrificing architectural aesthetics, setting a precedent for future construction practices and research.
Cluster 5—Industry 4.0 and Digital Advancements in Modern Construction Practices: Represented by the purple cluster, this theme has been characterized by six crucial keywords. Industry 4.0 is transforming the construction industry, moving from traditional methods to digital integration, enhancing efficiency, precision, and innovation. The use of digital twins has enhanced decision-making, allowed predictive maintenance, and saved costs on construction projects [43]. Also, ref. [64] contributes to advancement in modern construction practices through the adoption of digital technologies and [65] through the use of interconnected systems for improved operations and resource efficiency. This shift has made construction sites more connected to digital supply chains, leading to just-in-time delivery and less waste. The results are higher productivity, shorter project times, and better quality. The research in [66] also highlights digital tools’ roles in improving safety and project management. This blend of modern technologies with traditional methods is preparing the industry to tackle modern challenges more effectively, promising further advancements in construction practices.
Cluster 6—Technological Integration and Risk Management in Advanced Building Infrastructure: This cluster, symbolized by the aqua (light blue) hue on the map, encapsulates six defining keywords. The AEC industry is evolving through building information modeling (BIM) and Construction 4.0, integrating technology with infrastructure for enhanced functionality and sustainability. Studies like those by [67,68] highlight this trend, with embedded systems playing a key role in smart building automation. BIM facilitates the visualization, analysis, and optimization of built assets’ life cycles [69]. However, this technological leap forward introduces risks, necessitating robust risk assessment and management strategies to ensure the integrity of smart systems and address vulnerabilities [70]. As urban spaces become more complex, the importance of technology in ensuring building safety, longevity, and efficiency becomes paramount. The AEC industry’s journey is thus characterized by a dual focus: embracing innovation while maintaining caution to create resilient, sustainable, and safely built environments [71], presenting rich opportunities for ongoing and future research.
Cluster 7—Digital Innovations and Trust Mechanisms in Construction Management: The seventh cluster, represented by the orange hue on the map, comprises four essential keywords. Building information modeling (BIM) remains central to this theme, offering a diverse platform for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. BIM enhances construction through streamlined design and the integration of technologies like blockchain, as identified by [72]. Blockchain in construction ensures transparency and secure documentation, particularly when combined with BIM, creating a reliable project record [73]. The authors of [37] explored the integration of blockchain technology within the built environment, offering conceptual models and practical use cases to demonstrate its potential. The combination of BIM with blockchain ensures transparency and secure documentation, particularly in the context of creating a reliable project record. The theme extends to the “constructors’ sectors,” highlighting the vast network of construction stakeholders from contractors to regulators. Smart contracts, supported by blockchain, simplify and secure agreements, reducing disputes [74]. The core of this cluster is trust, aiming to authenticate documentation, ensure contract execution, and maintain stakeholder transparency through BIM, blockchain, and smart contracts. This marks a shift toward a construction management system that values reliability and efficiency. The emphasis on digital innovations and trust mechanisms suggests a future where technology enhances not only operational aspects but also ethical and trust foundations in construction, steering the industry toward a trust-centric paradigm.

3.6. Research Trends Based on Year of Publication

The overlay visualization network map, as shown in Figure 4, reveals the evolution of construction digitalization research through the interrelation of keywords over time, with a focus on publications from 2019 to 2022. Initially, research concentrated on building information modeling (BIM), digitalization, and automation, highlighted by blue clusters for the years 2019 and 2020, with key topics including BIM, digital tools, automation, digital twins, and the Internet of Things. Moving into 2020 and 2021, the research scope widened to encompass smart contracts, blockchain, and construction 4.0, depicted by green clusters, alongside emerging interests in modular construction, digital storage, and remote control. By 2022, the focus shifted toward innovative technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID), ISO 19650 [75,76] and computer vision, indicated by yellow clusters, pointing to advancements in construction efficiency, data interoperability, and visual computing applications. RFID’s inclusion signals an increasing reliance on technology for asset tracking and inventory management.
The trajectory of construction digitalization research reflects the industry’s gradual adoption of advanced digital technologies, inspired by the digitization successes in other sectors. The prominence of blockchain in 2021 emphasizes the construction industry’s push for transparency, security, and traceability, drawing parallels to its utility in finance and logistics [77]. The emergence of computer vision as a key topic in 2022 highlights its potential to transform site monitoring, defect detection, and project management. The consistent mention of “risk management” throughout the visualization underscores the growing focus on identifying and mitigating digitalization risks, including cybersecurity and system malfunctions, with “cybersecurity” and “construction 4.0” strongly associated with this theme [78,79,80]. This evolution indicates the construction sector’s proactive approach to embracing digital innovations while addressing the inherent challenges and risks of digital transformation. The lighter hues representing the years 2019 and 2020 underscore a concentration on the elemental facets of digital evolution, including “building information modeling” and “digital storage”. The visualization notably intensifies its hues when approaching the years 2021 to the present, revealing a significant pivot toward advanced and trending subjects within the construction sector.
Dominating this shift are technologies such as “smart contracts” and “blockchain”, which signify the industry’s burgeoning interest in leveraging innovative solutions. Furthermore, there is a nuanced amalgamation observed between “BIM” and “construction 4.0”, hinting at the evolving sophistication and integration of digital modeling techniques with the broader paradigm of industrial automation and data exchange [9]. This period also highlights a close association between “construction projects” and “construction process”, indicating a consolidated perspective that emphasizes a seamless digital workflow [81,82]. This pattern, where projects are visualized from beginning to end using digital perspectives, underscores the construction sector’s dedication to utilizing technology to enhance efficiency and foster innovation. The inclusion of terms like “e-learning”, “machine learning”, and “computer vision” further underscores the sector’s exploration into diverse technological avenues, reflecting a proactive approach to adopt and adapt to the digital age’s offerings. From 2021 to these contemporary times marks a period of rapid technological assimilation and forward-thinking strategies in the construction sector and research. However, these trends require progression and refinement in both academic inquiry and pragmatic implementations. This alignment indicates that with the escalating adoption of digital solutions, there is a heightened accentuation on their utility throughout the entire span of construction endeavors, from the inception and design phases through to finalization and subsequent maintenance. The trajectory of digitalization in construction suggests an industry-wide commitment not merely to competition with other industries but to pioneer innovations and reshape the digital future of the construction sector.

4. Conclusions

This research underscored the construction sector’s pivotal role in societal advancement through digital technology integration, observing a significant increase in digitalization-related research over the past decade. Utilizing bibliometric analysis, it explored trends, key knowledge areas, and prevalent keywords in construction digitalization, with a focus on Scopus-indexed data. This period coincides with the industry’s evolution amidst the fourth industrial revolution, marked by the adoption of innovations like building information modeling (BIM), digital twins, and the Internet of Things. These advancements have led to a surge in construction digitalization research, particularly in 2019 and 2020, reflecting a growing interest in automation, digital tools, and blockchain technologies. This period’s research intensity mirrors the broader shift toward the fourth industrial revolution and its impact on construction, highlighting the emerging need for professionals in the field to adapt by gaining new knowledge and skills. The research illuminated leading countries in construction digitalization research, such as the USA, UK, and China, and pointed out the lack of contributions from Africa, suggesting areas for future research and collaboration.
Key forums like the International Journal of Construction Digitalization Research have become pivotal in this field, with a focus on smart contracts, blockchain, and construction 4.0. There is a notable trend toward digital modeling and industrial automation, indicating a shift to integrated digital workflows for improved efficiency and innovation. Emerging technologies like e-learning and machine learning show the sector’s forward-thinking approach. The construction industry is not just adapting to digital innovations but is at the forefront of them. However, the study’s reliance solely on the Scopus database is a limitation, advocating for a broader research scope in the future to provide a complete view of construction digitalization. The findings underscore the importance of enhancing academic discourse, especially in underrepresented regions like Africa, through international collaboration and educational initiatives like conferences and workshops. Updating educational curricula in the built environment to include digitalization concepts is crucial for equipping students with relevant skills and knowledge. As the fourth industrial revolution gains momentum, embedding digital literacy in educational programs is crucial for preparing graduates for the complexities of the modern construction industry. This study, while offering comprehensive insights into construction digitalization, acknowledges its limitation due to sole reliance on the Scopus database.
Future research is encouraged to incorporate data from various databases such as Web of Science and Google Scholar to achieve a more comprehensive understanding and identify any disparities in the present construction digitalization discourse. Expanding research to include multiple databases could provide a complete view of the field, identifying overlooked areas or gaps, thereby strengthening future scholarly work. The findings significantly contribute to academia, guiding scholars, industry professionals, and policymakers toward untapped areas for research and innovation. These insights outline probable future directions for the construction industry, emphasizing the need for collaboration among stakeholders to navigate the sector’s digital transformation. Integrating academic research with practical applications is key to driving the industry forward, ensuring it remains resilient, sustainable, and innovative in the face of digital advancements.

Author Contributions

Data Visualization, H.A.; Writing—original draft, S.O.A. and H.A.; Writing—review & editing, S.O.A., C.A., W.D.T. and H.A.; Supervision, S.O.A., C.A. and W.D.T. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Data Availability Statement

Available on request from the corresponding author.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. Outline of research methodology.
Figure 1. Outline of research methodology.
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Figure 2. Number of publications per year.
Figure 2. Number of publications per year.
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Figure 3. Network visualization map for co-occurring keywords.
Figure 3. Network visualization map for co-occurring keywords.
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Figure 4. Overlay visualization for co-occurring keywords.
Figure 4. Overlay visualization for co-occurring keywords.
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Table 1. Number of publications per country.
Table 1. Number of publications per country.
CountryNumber of PublicationsNumber of Citations
China99 documents364 citations
Russian Federation61 documents77 citations
Germany48 documents413 citations
United Kingdom48 documents649 citations
Italy36 documents207 citations
United States21 documents547 citations
South Africa20 documents123 citations
Australia19 documents258 citations
Spain16 documents92 citations
India15 documents55 citations
Sweden14 documents65 citations
Malaysia12 documents95 citations
Table 2. Number of publications per source.
Table 2. Number of publications per source.
Journal Articles/Book/Conference/Review TitleNumber of Documents (2013–2023)Number of CitationsJournal Impact FactorH-Index
ACM International Conference Proceeding Series26210.50137
Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing9120.6358
Automation in Construction25120510.52157
Buildings372583.8045
CEUR Workshop Proceedings19350.3962
Construction Innovation171540.8342
Journal of Information Technology in Construction91084.3753
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering26200.1318
Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems49280.5427
Procedia Computer Science880.83109
Proceedings of International Structural Engineering and Construction12191.5316
Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction1290.339
Table 3. Most cited publications.
Table 3. Most cited publications.
SourceSource TitleCitationsResearch MethodResearch Focus
Lyytinen, K et al. (2016) [35]Digital product innovation within four classes of innovation networks412Systematic literature reviewUnderstanding the impact of digitalization on product innovation networks
Pan, Y. and Zhang, L. (2021) [36]Roles of artificial intelligence in construction engineering and management: A critical review and future trends319Scientometric and qualitative analysisAnalysis of AI’s evolution and trends in AI application in CEM
Li, J et al., (2019) [37]Blockchain in the built environment and construction industry: A systematic review, conceptual models, and practical use cases297Systematic literature review, focus group discussion, and expert interviewExploring the applications of distributed ledger technology (DLT), specifically blockchain, in the built environment
Mechtcherine, V et al. (2019) [38]Large-scale digital concrete construction–CONPrint3D concept for on-site, monolithic 3D-printing189Experimental approach and quantitativeEvaluating the state-of-the-art concerning these requirements and presenting the CONPrint3D concept for on-site, monolithic 3D printing as developed at the TU Dresden.
Mourtzis, D et al. (2018) [39]Cyber-physical systems and education 4.0—The Teaching Factory 4.0 concept143Case studyUnderstanding how cyber-physical systems and 4.0 industry technologies under teaching factories will reshape manufacturing education
Hu, Z et al. (2018) [40]BIM-based integrated delivery technologies for intelligent MEP management in the operation and maintenance phase126Modeling/simulationDeveloping a BIM-based integrated technology model for MEP management in the O&M phase of projects
Klötzer, C. and Pflaum, A. (2017) [41]Toward the development of a maturity model for digitalization within the manufacturing industry’s supply chain105ModelingScientific development of a maturity model concerning the digital transformation of companies within the manufacturing industry’s supply chain
Mcnamara, J. and Sepasgozar, E. (2021) [42]Intelligent contract adoption in the construction industry: Concept development70Systematic literature reviewContribution to the iContract body of knowledge
Shahzad, M et al. (2022) [43]Digital twins in built environments: An investigation of the characteristics, applications, and challenges60QualitativeUnderstanding the role of digital twins in the built environment
Aghimien, O et al. (2020) [25]Mapping out research focus for robotics and automation research in construction-related studies59Bibliometric approachDiscovering research areas and trends for robotics and automation in construction studies
Table 4. List of clusters and co-occurring keywords.
Table 4. List of clusters and co-occurring keywords.
Cluster LabelKeywordsNumber of OccurrenceTotal Link Strength
Cluster 1(red)Digitalization113495
Decision making30192
Big data1761
Virtual reality1795
E-learning1668
Digital economy1447
Computer-aided design1054
Engineering education1069
Product design1053
Industrial research955
Information technology1044
Cluster 2 (green)Automation27143
Artificial intelligence25130
Internet of Things24105
Digital twin1970
Office buildings12107
Data handling1063
Information services935
Intelligent buildings844
Intelligence systems821
Data mining734
Computation theory723
Cluster 3 (blue)Project management52385
Robotics24149
Construction management1377
Three-dimensional computer graphics1272
Environmental impact1155
Human resource management1190
Visualization748
3D printers649
Construction equipment552
Concretes648
Cluster 4 (yellow)Architectural design94725
Life cycle43356
Building information modeling39320
Sustainable development27157
Structural design17155
Construction companies634
Radiofrequency identification659
Cluster 5 (purple)Construction industry135837
Construction53402
Industry 4.026139
Digital devices17115
Supply chains1580
Productivity1166
Cluster 6 (aqua (light blue))BIM47258
Construction 4.01169
Embedded systems1071
Infrastructure967
Risk assessment743
Buildings643
Cluster 7 (orange)Building information modeling (BIM)1081
Blockchain15106
Construction sectors1493
Smart contract754
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Ametepey, S.O.; Aigbavboa, C.; Addy, H.; Thwala, W.D. A Bibliometric Review of the Trends of Construction Digitalization Research in the Past Ten Years. Buildings 2024, 14, 2729. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092729

AMA Style

Ametepey SO, Aigbavboa C, Addy H, Thwala WD. A Bibliometric Review of the Trends of Construction Digitalization Research in the Past Ten Years. Buildings. 2024; 14(9):2729. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092729

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ametepey, Simon Ofori, Clinton Aigbavboa, Hutton Addy, and Wellington Didibhuku Thwala. 2024. "A Bibliometric Review of the Trends of Construction Digitalization Research in the Past Ten Years" Buildings 14, no. 9: 2729. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092729

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