Digital twin-based approach for thermal efficiency assessment and optimization in the Nigerian construction industry

Abstract

The Nigerian construction industry has been experiencing rapid growth over the years. The country's increasing population, urbanization, and economic growth have created a high demand for construction. Abuja, the capital city and administrative hub of Nigeria, has attracted substantial investment in infrastructural development, spanning commercial and residential projects. Nonetheless, substandard practices, inadequate regulations, and disregard for sustainable practices have been plaguing the industry. Therefore, with the aim of identifying recurrent challenges and constraints associated with the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Abuja, this study analyzes the current state of the construction industry, its approach, prioritization, and implementation towards sustainability. Through semi-structured interviews with resident architects, relevant insights were attained, and 18 factors from 8 distinct categories emerge as contributing challenges impeding the progression, adoption, and implementation of sustainable practices in the industry. Furthermore, through the implementation of Digital Twin technology, this study observes and analyzes the real-time thermal performance of a standard residential duplex in Abuja for a duration of fifteen days. Based on the real-time visual feedback and analysis, an exceptionally low amount of daylight illuminance and exceedingly high indoor temperatures were observed. As such, design recommendations and strategies that seek to achieve 3 primary objectives, i.e., minimize solar radiation, maximize daylighting, and effectively utilize efficient passive cooling strategies, are proposed.