BIM in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis About BIM and Digital Twin

Authors

  • Malak Juan Abdalla Architectural Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE Author https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9411-8344
  • Menatallah Aly Architectural Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE Author
  • Aseel Hussien Architectural Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE Author
  • Shouib Ma'bdeh Architectural Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE Author
  • Aref Maksoud Architectural Engineering Department, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2026-012

Keywords:

BIM, digital twin, industry 4.0, industry 5.0, AEC industry, bibliometric review

Abstract

Even though the integration of BIM and digital twin technologies is still relatively new, it has rapidly become a key research focus due to the urgent need for a technologically advanced and sustainable built environment. This research paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric literature analysis of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twins in the construction sector. By exploring a global dataset of 239 publications, the study dives into co-citation, co-authorship, and keyword patterns to pinpoint influential authors, emerging research clusters, and key trends. The findings show a rapid surge in BIM research, peaking in 2023, with international collaborations driven by countries like the United Kingdom, China, and Australia. The thematic clusters emphasize sustainability, Industry 4.0, construction 4.0, and smart city development, highlighting how artificial intelligence, blockchain, and automation are changing construction management. This analysis paper shines a light on future opportunities for seamlessly integrating BIM and Digital Twins into construction and smart infrastructure projects, serving as a strategic roadmap for researchers and practitioners to understand the evolving BIM and Digital Twin research area.

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Published

2026-05-09 — Updated on 2026-10-21

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How to Cite

BIM in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis About BIM and Digital Twin. (2026). Future Cities and Environment, 12, 20. https://doi.org/10.70917/fce-2026-012 (Original work published 2026)