Digital Technologies (DT) in the AEC Industry: Investigating Determinants Impacting DT Adoption & Developing a Transformative Roadmap Facilitating DT Implementation

Digital technologies (DT) have revolutionized the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. While the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector acknowledges the potential of DT, the adoption rates and proficiency vary among firms of different sizes and types. This research investigated the determinants influencing DT adoption and devised a transformative roadmap for DT implementation. The research objectives were achieved through an explanatory sequential design comprising a systematic review, literature reviews, a questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, multiple case studies, and validation surveys. The research first explored the technology implementation landscape in the global AEC industry and classified 26 technologies into five functional groups. The research then assessed the digital competence of AEC practitioners and analyzed disparities based on business types, operational durations, and company sizes. Additionally, a digital readiness model incorporating critical indicators was developed and a self-assessment tool was proposed for AEC organizations to evaluate their digital readiness. Furthermore, the effects of digital readiness on digital competence were examined. The findings indicated that digital readiness bolstered digital competence in seven DT. Three key readiness attributes influencing digital competence emerged: organizational culture, perception of leadership team, and hardware & software systems. Additionally, eight critical barriers impeding DT adoption were identified and classified into technical, environmental, and social dimensions. A theoretical framework was developed incorporating critical barriers, barrier components, and root causes. The relationships between organizational characteristics and perceived DT adoption barriers were modelled. The study then identified 44 motivators driving DT adoption and classified them into five dimensions. A hierarchical DT adoption decision-making process model was proposed, illustrating the decision-making dynamics and the sequential influence of key motivators. Moreover, the research explored DT deployment in real-world AEC projects, highlighting mainstream DT, application priorities, and emerging trends. Lastly, 39 enablers facilitating practical DT implementation were identified and categorized into six dimensions, leading to the prototype of a DT-enabled transformation roadmap. The preliminary roadmap was refined and finalized through multiple case studies and a validation survey. This research contributes to a holistic and multi-faceted investigation of DT adoption and implementation in the AEC sector, bridging theoretical insights with actionable strategies.

Name thesis:degree_name

PhD

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Civil Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

ResearchSpace@Auckland

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Chen, Xichen

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Chang-Richards, Alice Yan

Statement dc:rights

• Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htm

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2292/67488

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchspace.auckland.ac.nz:2292/67488