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

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.

Keywords

• construction digitalization
• bibliometric analysis
• robotics
• building information modeling
• automation
• blockchain