CBPM Conference 2026 · Vol. 2026, Issue 1

Research Trends in Digital Infrastructure and Sustainable Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis

Emmanuel D. Oyelami, Molusiwa S. Ramabodu, Samuel H. P. Chikafalimani, Imoleayo A. Awodele, Nathaniel A. Olatunde, and Hannah N. Egbochuo

Keywords: Built environment; Digital Infrastructure; Research Trends; Smart Infrastructure; Sustainable Construction

Abstract

This scholarship explored research trends and emerging themes in digital infrastructure and sustainable construction using a bibliometric approach. The study employs a quantitative bibliometric research design, analysing peer-reviewed publications indexed in the Scopus database over a 10-year period from 2015 to 2025. Bibliometric indicators include publication trends, publication sources, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic clusters, mapping out the research output. The search string TITLE-ABS-KEY ("digital infrastructure" OR "smart infrastructure" OR "digital construction" OR "construction digitalisation”) AND sustainab*. A total of 716 documents were extracted in CSV file and analysed using VOSviewer software. The study is confined to Scopusindexed documents and English-language publications. The findings show a consistent increase in research output, with dominant themes centred on intelligent urban systems and smart technologies, digital economy and sustainable development policy and energy systems, investment, and environmental performance. Emerging topics outline the growing relevance of digital twin, smart systems, green economy, internet of things. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that digital infrastructure is increasingly conceptualised as a systemic enabler of sustainable construction rather than a stand-alone technological intervention, signaling a shift toward integrated, data-driven sustainability transitions in the built environment. The analysis provides important implications for future research by identifying underexplored themes and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. From a practical perspective, the results present valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and construction professionals seeking to align digital infrastructure investments with sustainability goals. This study mapped the intellectual structure and evolution of digital infrastructure and sustainable construction research, identifying dominant themes, emerging trends, and collaboration networks. It clarifies knowledge gaps, informs interdisciplinary integration, and provides a robust evidence base to guide policy formulation, innovation strategies, and future high-impact scholarly inquiry in sustainable built environments.