Enhanced digital twins (EDTs) approach based on advanced inspection and technology adoption to achieve sustainable construction processes

The current trend in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry is undergoing digitalisation rapidly, meeting the requirements of sustainability while increasing efficiency, reducing costs and improving decision-making. This transformation is based on the connection between the physical environment and the virtual digital systems. However, Digital Twins (DTs) can represent this connection, and despite its importance, currently DTs are hindered by several challenges related to the accuracy of data, long workflows and fragmented digital ecosystems. To this end, this study proposes an innovative approach, “Enhanced Digital Twin (EDT)”, to overcome the traditional DTs’ limitations. To achieve this, a scientometric review is conducted based on quantitative mixed methods using VOSviewer and RStudio to analyse the collected database from Scopus of 342 peer-reviewed journal articles from 2020 to 2024. This was further supported through the analysis of similar applied case studies of relevant literature based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Findings represent that EDT can offer advantages through three main categories: construction, building and human aspects. The article also outlines future research directions and highlights some key benefits and challenges. Also, this article contributes originally to the existing body of knowledge by bridging the gap between digital technology and sustainable practices through proposing a holistic framework for SDGs-based EDT in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The latter supports the implementation of the EDT, reaching the SDGs, and the engagement of stakeholders in all phases of the building life cycle.