Digital Twin Technology in Structural Engineering: Current Developments, Challenges, and Future Directions

Abstract

The implementation of digital twin technology in structural engineering faces multifaceted barriers spanning technological, organizational, and regulatory domains. This comprehensive review examines adoption challenges across developing and developed economies, identifying critical success factors and strategic implementation pathways. Technical barriers include data quality assurance, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the complexity of integrating heterogeneous data sources. Organizational challenges encompass workforce skill gaps, resistance to technological change, and insufficient capital investment. Regulatory gaps include lack of standardized frameworks, incomplete data governance policies, and unclear liability frameworks. The paper synthesizes findings from 47+ peer-reviewed studies to identify priority actions for facilitating adoption. Recommendations include establishing government incentive programs, developing university-level education initiatives, fostering industry partnerships, and creating public-private collaboration models. Success factors include organizational leadership commitment, phased implementation strategies, and pilot projects demonstrating tangible benefits. The review emphasizes that overcoming adoption barriers requires coordinated action across stakeholders, strategic investments in infrastructure and human capital, and development of transparent, accessible frameworks to democratize access to digital twin technology across diverse sectors and geographic regions.