Navigating Digital Twin Implementation in the Circular Built Environment

Abstract

According to the United Nations the Poles are melting, rising sea temperatures are killing ocean life, the acidity of sea water is rising and on land forests are burning (United Nations, 2019). This together with industrialization, increased urbanization, increased population growth and unsustainable consumption patterns this has put a strain resources (Ari & Yikmaz, 2020). Circular economy models, in contrast to the linear model, dissociate economic growth from the consumption of primary raw resources. Since the construction sector is still in its infancy with a circular economy, there is a very high potential for enhanced resource reuse, higher use of recycled materials, and increased sustainability (Stroetmann & Huttig, 2020).
The main research question is: “What are the observed and anticipated barriers and challenges for early and potential adopters of Digital Twins technologies in the Dutch circular-built environment?”
The hypothesis of this study is that an organization's circularity strategies are influenced by its specific needs, leading to a perceived need for digital replicas with specific functionalities. This decision, influenced by operational and strategic goals like material durability, environmental harm reduction, and resource utilization, influences the choice of digital twin technology. Companies with complex circularity plans may opt for more advanced digital twins, while those with simpler requirements may opt for more flexible solutions.
The research will employ several methodologies to provide a comprehensive view of digital twins' potential in the circular built environment. A literature review was conducted of CE economy strategies within the built environment. The goal was to identify challenges and barriers in the adoption of digital twins as a tool for circular construction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify barriers experienced by those potentially using these technologies and challenges experienced by those implementing them. The literature review was used to set up a framework for conducting these interviews, categorizing actors based on their roles and circular strategy. The final aspect of the research was the solutions sourced from interviewees, categorized and cross-referencing with barriers. This provided an overview of potential solutions to the barriers and challenges identified during the interview's initial stages, ensuring a critical reflection of the solutions provided.
This thesis explores the barriers and challenges faced by early and potential adopters of Digital Twin (DT) technologies in the Dutch circular-built environment, focusing on Circularity Strategies, Digital Twins, and the unique challenges encountered by adopters. Through a comprehensive analysis of the built environment, circularity strategies, and DT archetypes, the study identifies key factors affecting the adoption process, such as financial constraints, technological hesitancy, data ownership, and regulatory issues. Interviews with early adopters revealed both common challenges, such as standardization and financial limitations, and specific solutions, including leadership in communication, modular technologies, and collaboration with research institutes. Potential adopters, on the other hand, reported additional barriers like technological immaturity and lack of clear business models. The study's findings emphasize the need for continuous technological improvements, the development of financial incentives, and stronger regulatory frameworks. Despite progress in addressing some challenges, significant barriers, such as data privacy and ownership, remain unresolved. The study concludes by offering recommendations for future research and strategies to support broader adoption of DTs, emphasizing collaboration, phased implementation, and a flexible approach to categorizing digital twin practices in the circular-built environment.