A Framework for Digital Twins as Decision-Support Tools in South African Toll Road Operations

This dissertation critically examines the potential for Digital Twins (DTs) to enhance decision-making for road infrastructure asset management, with a particular focus on South African toll roads. Despite growing global interest in DTs, their practical implementation in road infrastructure remains fragmented, hindered by inconsistent definitions, data silos, and institutional complexity. To address this, the study develops a conceptual model for a DT tailored to the lifecycle of toll roads, linking DT capabilities with the decision-making requirements of Road Asset Management Systems (RAMS). The research adopts a design-led, problem-oriented methodology, combining a narrative literature review, qualitative analysis of over 900 interview-derived data points from industry stakeholders, and a structured framework validation process. The proposed model is structured around eight functional themes, namely Design, Monitor, Measure, Store, Analyse, Evaluate, Decide, and Act, each representing a critical domain of DT operation within the toll road context. The study examines the enabling technologies, information requirements, and governance structures required for implementation. It proposes a federated, system-of-systems architecture to accommodate the heterogeneous and spatially distributed nature of road infrastructure. The findings contribute a grounded and operationally relevant model for DT implementation in South African road networks, bridging theoretical aspirations with practical constraints. It offers guidance to concessionaires, road authorities, and digital solution developers aiming to improve infrastructure outcomes through integrated, information-driven asset management. Notwithstanding the local focus of this study, the underlying principles of Road Asset Management and the applied characteristics of the DT are universal. Therefore, the application of the proposed model is not confined to South African roads and may be generalised to support the development of DT strategies on any roads, providing international applicability.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Matchett, Richard Neil

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Jurgens, Christiaan Johannes
• Wium, Jan

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136250

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136250