Next-Gen BIM and Digital Construction Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is in the midst of a great digital transformation with the adoption of next-generation building information modeling (BIM) and latest digital construction technologies. BIM has matured far beyond being a 3D design/coordinate tool and has emerged as the very heart of information handling for the complete lifecycle of built assets from the designing and planning stage all the way through construction, operation, and maintenance. Concurrently, new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), digital twins, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), blockchain, robotics, and automated sensing technologies are redefining the methods of working, achieving new heights of efficiency, collaboration, and data-based decisions.

The present Special Issue will gather state-of-the-art studies, innovative application cases, and forward-thinking perspectives on investigating the combination of BIM and other advanced digital construction technologies. The objective is to gather theoretical advances and real-world implementations, showing how the combined solutions will help to solve the industry's chronic problems of cost overruns, scheduling delays, safety risks, productivity bottlenecks, and sustainability aims.

We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• BIM-based digital twins for real-time asset management;
• Incorporation of BIM with IoT, sensor networks, and data acquisition systems automation;
• AI and machine learning-based deployments of predictive analytics and process optimization within BIM work processes;
• Extended reality (AR/VR/MR) for immersive design review, training, and construction monitoring;
• Blockchain-enabled data integrity, supply chain transparency, and smart contracts in BIM environments;
• BIM for sustainable design, energy efficiency, and lifecycle carbon assessment;
• Inclusion of automation and robotics in BIM-based control and planning systems;
• Standardization, interoperability, and open-BIM initiatives for next-generation collaboration.

Through the gathering of multifaceted views from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, this Special Issue aims to develop the theoretical underpinnings, technical competencies, and adoption frameworks of future BIM and digital construction technologies. Ultimately, it aims to offer a platform that not only shares up-to-date knowledge but also encourages research translation into industry application in support of a global shift toward more intelligent, safe, and sustainable built environments.

We look forward to receiving original research articles, comprehensive reviews, case studies, and technical notes that contribute to shaping the future of digital construction.

Dr. Ri Na
Dr. Tianjiao Zhao
Dr. Xi Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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