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Digital Technologies in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry—A Bibliometric—Qualitative Literature Review of Research Activities

Author

Listed:
  • Bilal Manzoor

    (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University Technology PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Idris Othman

    (Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University Technology PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar 32610, Perak, Malaysia)

  • Juan Carlos Pomares

    (Civil Engineering Department, University of Alicante, P.O. Box 99, E-03690 Alicante, Spain)

Abstract

Digital technologies (DTs) are proven helpful in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry due to their varied benefits to project stakeholders, such as enhanced visualization, better data sharing, reduction in building waste, increased productivity, sustainable performance and safety improvement. Therefore, researchers have conducted various studies on DTs in the AEC industry over the year; however, this study explores the state-of-the-art research on DTs in the AEC industry by means of a bibliometric-qualitative review method. This research would uncover new knowledge gaps and practical needs in the domain of DTs in the AEC industry. In addition, bibliometric analysis was carried out by utilizing academic publications from Scopus (i.e., 11,047 publications for the AEC industry, 1956 for DTs and 1778 for DTs in the AEC industry). Furthermore, a qualitative review was further conducted on 200 screened selected research publications in the domain of DTs. This study brings attention to the body of knowledge by envisioning trends and patterns by defining key research interests, journals, countries, new advancements, challenges, negative attitudes and future directions towards DTs in the AEC industry. However, this study is the first in its vital importance and uniqueness by providing a broad updated review of DTs in the AEC literature. Furthermore, this research laid a foundation for future researchers, policy makers and practitioners to explore the limitations in future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Bilal Manzoor & Idris Othman & Juan Carlos Pomares, 2021. "Digital Technologies in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry—A Bibliometric—Qualitative Literature Review of Research Activities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:6135-:d:569926
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    2. Angelo Massafra & Carlo Costantino & Giorgia Predari & Riccardo Gulli, 2023. "Building Information Modeling and Building Performance Simulation-Based Decision Support Systems for Improved Built Heritage Operation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-31, July.
    3. Sepehr Alizadehsalehi & Ahmad Hadavi, 2023. "Synergies of Lean, BIM, and Extended Reality (LBX) for Project Delivery Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-27, March.
    4. Sambo Lyson Zulu & Ali M. Saad, 2023. "A Sensemaking Perspective of Digitalisation in Construction Organisations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-18, January.
    5. Amjad Almusaed & Ibrahim Yitmen & Asaad Almssad, 2023. "Reviewing and Integrating AEC Practices into Industry 6.0: Strategies for Smart and Sustainable Future-Built Environments," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-27, September.
    6. Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke & John Aliu & Paramjit Singh Jamir Singh & Solomon A. Onajite & Ahmed Farouk Kineber & Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan, 2023. "Application of Digital Technologies Tools for Social and Sustainable Construction in a Developing Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-16, November.

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