Blockchain and digital twin technologies in construction data security: applications, complementary features, challenges and future research directions

Purpose In recent years, blockchain technology has played an important role in data security, while digital twins allow for seamless data integration, monitoring and visualization in virtual and physical environments. Despite the usefulness of previous research, no studies have reviewed blockchain-enabled digital twins in construction data security. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a state-of-the-art review of blockchain-enabled digital twin applications in construction data security and identify thematic applications, complementary features, challenges, research gaps and future research directions. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopted a mixed-method approach (i.e. systematic literature review and science mapping analysis) to synthesize 229 articles retrieved from the Scopus database. Findings The results reveal co-occurrence analysis of keywords. It was found that existing research focuses on six main thematic applications, including (1) security and privacy protection in blockchain-enabled digital twin platforms; (2) applications of Internet of Things in blockchain-enabled digital twin platforms; (3) applications of supply chain management; (4) research on machine learning and data mining; (5) scalability of bitcoin in construction data security; and (6) Industry 4.0 applications in construction data security. Moreover, complementary features, challenges and future research directions were discussed. Originality/value These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the extant literature for practitioners and researchers, as well as ensuring data security, privacy and monitoring in construction. Specifically, the identified complementary features, challenges and future research directions provide a structured knowledge base to advance blockchain-enabled digital twin applications in construction data security.