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Developing digital twins for bridge infrastructure: Roadmap and challenges from a proof-of-concept R&D study

Borjigin, O., Sturts Dossick, C., Treece, B., Thonstad, T., Bernard, T., & Motley, M. (2026). Developing digital twins for bridge infrastructure: Roadmap and challenges from a proof-of-concept R&D study. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 31, 917-938. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2026.039.

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Abstract

The exploration of Digital Twins (DT) technology in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry has gained momentum in recent years, with numerous studies proposing frameworks for its development. However, few real-world infrastructure applications have been systematically documented to guide future practitioners and researchers. This study addresses this gap by providing an empirical example of DT design and development through a proof-of-concept research and development (R&D) project. The I-90 Homer M. Hadley Bridge (I-90 Bridge) DT project, led by the University of Washington (UW) DT research team, was selected as a case study to demonstrate the application of DT technology for bridge health monitoring. Using a vignette-style narrative approach, the study integrates data from semi-structured interviews with project team members and project documentation generated during the project to illustrate how the system was conceptualized, developed, and delivered. The findings reveal that interoperability emerged as a consistent theme throughout the project, including technical challenges (legacy systems, proprietary programming, lack of standardization) and organizational challenges (multi-stakeholder engagement, organizational silos). Recognizing these challenges can help practitioners and researchers better identify key problems to address, thereby supporting a successful adoption of DT technologies.

Keywords

Digital Twins; Bridge Infrastructure; Organizational Interoperability; Technical Interoperability; Research & Development; Case Study

I-90 Bridge Digital Twin Project feature

Professor Carrie Sturts Dossick (Construction Management) is on the project team that has created a digital twin model of the I-90 bridge in Seattle. Monitoring this bridge, which now includes the world’s first light rail crossing on a floating bridge, is an innovative and collaborative project evolving in real-time. Read the full feature story on the Civil & Environmental Engineering website here.

Laboratory evaluation of rapid-setting concrete mixes for sustainable pavement repairs: a comparative evaluation with traditional concretes

Akerele, D.D., Aguayo, F. Laboratory evaluation of rapid-setting concrete mixes for sustainable pavement repairs: a comparative evaluation with traditional concretes. Mater Struct 59, 84 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-025-02806-7

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Abstract

Rapid and sustainable pavement repairs are critical to minimizing road closure times, reducing environmental impacts, and ensuring infrastructure longevity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of rapid-strength calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) concrete mixes compared to traditional concretes (Type III and novel Type X) for pavement repair applications. The research investigates the early-age and long-term mechanical performance of these materials, focusing on compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, shrinkage, and fresh properties. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted using standardized (ASTM) testing methods to provide reliable and comparative data. Results showed that CSA mixes achieved superior early-age strength, exceeding 3000 psi within four hours and meeting long-term benchmarks of over 5000 psi at 28 days. Moreover, CSA mixes exhibited significantly lower shrinkage compared to traditional concretes, enhancing dimensional stability. Correlation analyses identified the nuanced influence of water-to-cement ratio, cement content, and polymer additives on shrinkage and strength performance, highlighting the critical role of optimized mix design. These findings demonstrate the potential of CSA-based concretes to address current challenges in pavement repair, including rapid strength development, reduced maintenance frequency, and enhanced sustainability. Practical implications include less traffic disruption, reduced carbon emissions from delays, and resource efficiency, aligning with global sustainability goals. This study provides a pathway for adopting CSA-based materials as a durable, high-performance solution in infrastructure repair, offering a significant contribution to advancing sustainable construction practices.

Keywords

Rapid strength concrete; Calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSA); Pavement repair; Mechanical properties; Fresh properties; Sustainable infrastructure; Early-age performance

CBE Faculty Lead Successful Kick-Off for WSDOT Shore Power & eMobility Project

Profs. H.W. Chris Lee, Rachel Berney, and Lingzi Wu hosted a successful stakeholder kick-off meeting for the WSDOT-funded Shore Power: Bremerton Transportation Center eMobility Project. The meeting drew strong participation from Washington State Ferries, Kitsap Transit, the City of Bremerton, Kitsap County, Puget Sound Energy, the Port of Bremerton, and the U.S. Navy. Agencies engaged in productive discussions on mobility challenges, electrification opportunities, and multimodal planning needs at the Bremerton Transportation Center. This collaborative launch sets a strong foundation for…

A bibliometrix-based scientometric-systematic analysis and visualization of the global outlook on post-occupancy evaluation of green building

Debrah, C., Chan, A. P. C., Darko, A., Akowuah, E., Amudjie, J., Asare, K. A. B., & Ghansah, F. A. (2025). A bibliometrix-based scientometric-systematic analysis and visualization of the global outlook on post-occupancy evaluation of green building. Building Research and Information : The International Journal of Research, Development and Demonstration, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2025.2521753.

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Abstract

To achieve sustainability goals, it has become increasingly important to conduct post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to assess and understand the actual performance of green buildings (GBs). However, there has been little effort to provide researchers with a systematic and scientometric analysis of the state of the POE-in-GB field. To address this gap, this study aims to review the field and identify major trends and gaps that can be addressed in future research. This paper combined several state-of-the-art tools (i.e. Bibliometrix R-tool, Python BibexPy, VOSviewer, and Gephi) for an extensive bibliometric analysis based on 251 publications identified from Scopus and Web of Science. Utilizing a theoretical framework of office productivity, 35 empirical POE-in-GB studies were selected for further qualitative-systematic analysis. The quantitative-bibliometric analysis revealed that POE-in-GB research hotspots include energy efficiency, occupant satisfaction, thermal comfort, IEQ, LEED, and sustainability. The qualitative-systematic analysis focused on the physical environment quality and load, behavioural environment and the POE protocols of POE-in-GB. Some future research directions proposed include: exploring socio-psychological factors in POE-in-GB, developing standardized protocols for POE-in-GB, aligning GB certifications with user satisfaction, and integrating technology and big data into POE-in-GB. This study provides insights to academics and practitioners working in the POE-in-GB domain.

Keywords

Built environment; building performance evaluation; literature review; sustainable building; sustainability

Evaluating the Evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects: A Systematic Review Using Content and Bibliometric Analysis

Muiruri, K. M., & Abdel Aziz, A. (2025). Evaluating the Evolution of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Construction Projects: A Systematic Review Using Content and Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/JLADAH.LADR-1370.

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Abstract

The construction industry is inherently complex. It involves multiple stakeholders, complex contracts, and significant financial investments. This complexity often leads to disputes, resulting in costly delays and project disruptions. Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods have emerged as crucial mechanisms for managing and resolving conflicts in construction projects, offering more efficient and less adversarial solutions than traditional litigation. This paper presents a systematic literature review of existing research on the application of ADR in construction project delivery. The review spans three decades to capture the adoption and impact of the 1987 update to the AIA A201 General Conditions 14th Edition, which introduced provisions governing arbitration in construction contracts. Following the PRISMA framework for study selection, content, trend, and bibliometric analyses were utilized to identify key themes, track the evolution, synthesize findings, and highlight influential contributions. The study finds that while authors agree that ADR methods are generally effective and widely adopted in the construction industry, their implementation has significant variability. Consequently, the study recommends the adoption of hybrid dispute resolution mechanisms (HDRMs). HDRMs combine elements of multiple ADR methods to create flexible approaches that lead to faster, more cost-effective, and more adaptable resolutions in complex disputes.

2025 Innovation in the Construction Industry

Prof. Dossick’s CM515 Spring 2025 Class. Eds. Dossick, Carrie. & Ray, Lauren. (2025). 2025 Innovation in the Construction Industry. University of Washington. Pressbooks. Seattle, WA. https://uw.pressbooks.pub/2025innovationcm/

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Contributors
Abhishek Tripathy; Ashutoshsinh Shekhawat; Harshitha P S; Adam Hinds; James Mirie; John Ales; Shraddha Kalyani; Muhammad Abu Bakar Tariq; Mohamed Ibrahim; Mikhail Kamila; Manshuk Sabyrova; Nicholas Miranda; Nisha Tomar; Omid Keivanloo; Rahul Varma Alluri; Idris Soliu; Vidheesha Kasthoori Channapatnam Badrinath; Monica Korlepara; Vakkachan Johny Manipadam; Swetha Suresh; Vinay Singh; Vy Le; William Ackerman; and Yingjie Liu

Abstract

A collection of case studies about adopting new technologies and changing practices in design, construction, and operations of the built environment.

Keywords

Technology; Engineering; Agriculture; Industrial Processes