Advancing Digital Construction Workflows Through BIM and Digital Twins

The construction industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation, driven by the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twins, advanced data analytics, and artificial intelligence. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist in digitalizing existing construction management processes. This research aims to identify exemplars of Digital Twin applications and focus on developing methods to automate and optimize construction management processes (e.g., progress monitoring, health and safety) to ensure data-driven decision-making for construction stakeholders.

The project also seeks to address key challenges such as interoperability, scalability, and the development of user-friendly visualization techniques, which are essential for widespread adoption across the industry. This interdisciplinary research will have both significant academic and practical implications, contributing to the growing field of digital construction and aligning with industry priorities for smarter, more resilient project delivery.

Within this broad scope, the project offers flexibility for the selected candidate to adapt the research direction according to their interests and strengths. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing theoretical knowledge while delivering practical solutions for smart project delivery.

Eligibility

This project is open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.

Applicants should have at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree in the relevant subject area and preferably a masters degree (or equivalent) in Built Environment, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Computer Science, or related fields.

Funding

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees (Home and Oversees) and provide an annual stipend (paid in line with UKRI recommended rates, £19,237 in 2024-25) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

How to Apply

To apply you must complete our online application form.

Please select PhD Construction as the programme and include the full project title, reference number (EGIS2025-MTS) and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than five years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Muhammad Tariq Shafiq (M.Tariq@hw.ac.uk) for further informal or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a final deadline of 14/03/2025. The selected candidate must be available to start in May 2025 or September 2025.