Construction 4.0 technologies and applications: a systematic literature review of trends and potential areas for development
ISSN: 1471-4175
Article publication date: 8 June 2022
Issue publication date: 27 November 2023
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the systematic literature review, this paper aims to propose a framework of Construction 4.0 (C4.0) scenarios, identifying Industry 4.0 (I4.0) enabling technologies and their applications in the construction industry. The paper reviews C4.0 trends and potential areas for development.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology has been applied, including bibliographic coupling analysis (BCA), co-citation network analysis of keywords, the content analysis with the visualisation of similarities (VOSviewer) software and aggregative thematic analysis (ATA). In total, 170 articles from the top 22 top construction journals in the Scopus database between 2013 and 2021 were analysed.
Findings
Six C4.0 scenarios of applications were identified. Out of nine I4.0 technology domains, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Cloud Computing, Big Data and Analytics had the most references in C4.0 research, while applications of augmented/virtual reality, vertical and horizontal integration and autonomous robotics yet provide ample avenues for the future applied research. The C4.0 application scenarios include efficient energy usage, prefabricated construction, sustainability, safety and environmental management, indoor occupant comfort and efficient asset utilisation.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the body of knowledge by offering a framework of C4.0 scenarios revealing the status quo of research published in the top construction journals into I4.0 technology applications in the sector. The framework evaluates current C4.0 research trends and gaps in relation to nine I4.0 technology domains as compared with more advanced industry sectors and informs academic community, practitioners and strategic policymakers with interest in C4.0 trends.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the reviewers for the helpful and constructive feedback that helped to significantly improve the proposed framework.
Citation
Statsenko, L., Samaraweera, A., Bakhshi, J. and Chileshe, N. (2023), "Construction 4.0 technologies and applications: a systematic literature review of trends and potential areas for development", Construction Innovation, Vol. 23 No. 5, pp. 961-993. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-07-2021-0135
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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