Digital Construction Twins for Bridges and Tunnels: Sensing, Model Updating, and Lifecycle Decision Support
Keywords:
Digital twin, bridge engineering, tunnel monitoring, model updating, sensing systems, lifecycle management, predictive maintenance, resilience, infrastructure sustainabilityAbstract
This review aims to synthesize the current state of research on digital construction twins (DCTs) applied to bridge and tunnel engineering, emphasizing how sensing systems, model updating frameworks, and lifecycle decision-support mechanisms interact to enhance performance, safety, and sustainability across infrastructure lifespans. A qualitative systematic review design was adopted, analyzing 25 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. Data were collected exclusively through structured literature screening in Scopus, Web of Science, Engineering Village, and ScienceDirect databases. Articles were coded and analyzed thematically using Nvivo 14 software until theoretical saturation was achieved. Inclusion criteria required each study to focus explicitly on digital twin applications in bridge or tunnel contexts, integrating elements of sensing, model updating, or decision support. The six-phase thematic analysis approach by Braun and Clarke guided data analysis to ensure consistency and interpretive rigor. Three overarching themes emerged from the synthesis: (1) Sensing and Data Acquisition Systems—covering multi-modal sensors, data fusion, calibration, and cybersecurity; (2) Model Updating and Simulation Frameworks—encompassing hybrid physics–data approaches, finite element updating, uncertainty quantification, and real-time synchronization; and (3) Lifecycle Decision Support and Management—including predictive maintenance, resilience planning, sustainability assessment, and collaborative governance. The findings indicate that the strength of a DCT lies in its integration across these layers, forming a feedback loop where sensing quality informs model precision and drives actionable decision making. Digital construction twins are transforming bridge and tunnel management from reactive inspection-based systems to intelligent, proactive infrastructures. However, achieving full lifecycle integration demands progress in sensor interoperability, real-time synchronization, uncertainty management, and regulatory standardization. The review concludes that future development should focus on adaptive, trustworthy, and interoperable DCT ecosystems to ensure resilient and sustainable infrastructure operation.
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References
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