Investigating the barriers of digital twin integration in the design phase of construction projects in Ghana

To achieve digital transformation in construction, both academics and practitioners have undertaken research into various aspects of digital twin technology applications. Yet despite numerous studies conducted, the ensuing discourse contains limited information regarding the barriers to digital twin adoption specifically during the design phase of construction projects. This study therefore, explores the critical barriers hindering the integration of digital twin technology during the design phase in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI), establishing the criticality of the principal barriers identified. A postpositivist philosophical design was adopted to deductively analyse primary data collected via a survey questionnaire. A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to identify the barriers to digital twin integration during the construction design phase. Data gathered from construction professionals with knowledge of digital technologies and design processes was then analysed using descriptive statistics, mean score ranking, normalization technique, and exploratory factor analysis. Two principal barriers to digital twin integration during the design phase in the GCI were identified: Technical and Operational Challenges (comprising investment difficulties, real-time data challenges, difficulties in systems integration, data security issues, project complexities, poor data quality, need for constant internet connectivity, lack of methodologies and tools, scalability issues, and standards and governance); and Knowledge and Adoption Barriers (comprising low level of knowledge, difficulties in data integration, low level of technology acceptance, and lack of clear digital twin value propositions). The analysis revealed that low level of knowledge, difficulties in data integration, need for constant internet connectivity, investment difficulties, poor data quality, and lack of methodologies and tools (mean = 3.70) were the most critical barriers. The exploratory factor analysis confirmed two distinct barrier components explaining 68.192% of the total variance. Evidently, digital twin integration during the design phase in the GCI faces major challenges and consequently, sector stakeholders must strategize their organizational undertakings to transition from traditional design practices towards digital twin-enabled approaches. This study provides a novel and thorough evaluation of barriers to digital twin integration specifically during the design phase and establishes the criticality of the identified barriers within a developing economy context. The study’s findings offer essential direction to GCI stakeholders and policymakers to facilitate digital transformation in construction design processes in accordance with global digitalization initiatives and Industry 4.0 implementation goals