Research

This study investigates the domain challenges that contribute to the persistence of unstructured data in the AEC industry. Following a critical realist paradigm, it uses semi-structured interviews with professionals across the Irish construction sector. Thematic analysis identifies five challenges: gaps in knowledge of data science, BIM, digital twins and linked data; stakeholder misalignment; the single-source-of-truth dilemma associated with ISO 19650; process inertia caused by email dependence, incomplete models and skills deficiencies; and contractual or regulatory requirements that do not incentivise structured data. Most challenges are systematic, indicating a need for coordinated education, stakeholder alignment, simpler standards, modernised workflows and regulatory integration.

Building Information Modelling has received growing scholarly attention as its adoption has expanded across the architecture, engineering, construction and operation industry. This study applies a scientometric approach to analyse 1349 Scopus-indexed articles on global BIM implementation published between 2004 and 2023. Co-authorship, co-word and co-citation analyses map the structure and development of the field, identifying influential researchers, institutions, countries, subject areas and journals. The analysis highlights prominent themes including Industry Foundation Classes, the Internet of Things, geographic information systems, historic BIM and digital twins. It provides a global benchmark for comparative research, performance assessment and policy development.

This paper presents the development and validation of a Digital Maturity Gap Analysis Toolkit for the Irish architecture, engineering, construction and operations sector. The toolkit assesses maturity across people, process and culture; technology; and policy and governance, covering 16 sub-dimensions and 69 questions. Developed through a six-phase Design Science Research process, it combines ISO 19650 maturity stages with detailed level descriptors and actionable gap analysis. Alpha testing refined the structure, key performance indicators and maturity matrix. Beta testing with 20 Irish organisations confirmed the toolkit’s relevance, coverage and industry alignment, while identifying minor improvements to wording, visuals and supporting materials.

This study reviews 24 BIM implementation toolkits from countries recognised as leaders in BIM adoption. A qualitative comparative analysis assesses the toolkits against 16 dimensions, including ISO 19650 alignment, role guidance, project stages, templates, asset management, common data environments, data security, coordination, interoperability, emerging technology and sustainability. The review finds that most toolkits are adaptable guides rather than standards. Newer toolkits generally address data security, coordination, classification and information detail more clearly, while persistent gaps remain in technology integration, sustainability, automated compliance, certification pathways and dynamic web navigation. The study proposes a harmonised direction for future national BIM toolkits.

This PRISMA-ScR scoping review compares 20 digital maturity assessment tools used in the architecture, engineering and construction sector and wider business domains. It examines assessment matrices, maturity dimensions, completion time, accessibility, platform availability, scope, metrics and usability. Common assessment areas include technology, organisation, data management and processes. The analysis identifies limited attention to people, strategy, policy, skills, standards and financial resources, as well as fragmented integration between maturity components. The authors recommend combining bottom-up scoring with top-down dimension structuring when developing future tools and provide guidance to help practitioners select more comprehensive and integrated maturity models.

This systematic literature review examines methods used to create material passports for the built environment. Searches of Scopus and Web of Science, followed by screening and snowballing, produced 40 studies for analysis. The review identifies BIM-based, blockchain-based, platform-based, QR or RFID-based and Level(s)-based approaches, together with recurring data requirements and benefits. It also finds that many current passports are static, require substantial manual input and cannot reliably reflect changes across a building lifecycle. The authors recommend research into dynamic, automated passports that use technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve data collection, real-time updating, interoperability, accuracy and scalability.