Usage of Digital Twin Technology for Sustainable Development in Sri Lanka’s Construction Sector

Abstract

Digital Twin (DT) technology is transforming the global construction industry, offering real-time monitoring, better decision-making, and enhanced project outcomes. However, DT is primarily used in the design and planning phase, with limited integration across the entire construction lifecycle. This research explored the applications, benefits, and barriers to adopting DT technology in all phases of the construction lifecycle in the Sri Lankan context. Data was collected through a survey that received 254 responses from professionals, including engineers, construction managers, architects, consultants, and site supervisors, representing 25 construction companies in Sri Lanka. Qualitative techniques, descriptive statistics, cross-analysis, and graphical representation were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that DT is widely used in the design and planning phase (56.7% of respondents), with minimal usage in the construction (31.9%) and operational phases (30.3%) and no usage observed in the end-of-life phase within Sri Lanka’s construction industry. Key barriers identified include a lack of awareness about DT technology (37.4% of respondents), insufficient technical expertise (32.7%), organizational resistance to change (26.8%), and high cost of implementation (25.2%). Based on these findings, the study proposed a framework of practical strategies to address these challenges and encourage the broader adoption of DT technology. These strategies contribute to sustainable development in the construction industry by using DT technology across all phases of the construction lifecycle, with a specific focus on the Sri Lankan context.