The Role of Digital Twins in Construction Project Lifecycle Management: Enhancing Efficiency and Innovation in the United States

Abstract

Digital Twin (DT) technology use throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects is revolutionizing infrastructure planning, construction, and operation in the United States. The paper discusses systematically 138 publications (2016–2024) to analyse DT applications, advantages, and disadvantages in every phase of the lifecycle: design and planning, construction and execution, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning. The methodology is based on the PRISMA protocol and consists of scient metric analysis and thematic categorization. Adoption of DT is most developed in the design and maintenance stages, where it is combined with BIM, AI, and IoT to optimize efficiency, predictive analytics, and sustainability performance. Empirical research on large-scale U.S. projects like the Los Angeles Metro extension and Orlando Smart City indicates enhanced project visualization, cost management, and operational resilience. Nonetheless, lifecycle implementation at scale is constrained by data interoperability, cybersecurity, and standardization deficiencies. DTs are considered a driver of digital transformation for American construction, facilitating collaboration, minimizing rework, and advancing national sustainability goals under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Results offer a strategic plan for leveraging DT technology to maximize project efficiency, lifecycle performance, and innovation in the U.S. built environment.