Lean Construction and Whole-Life Information Management Through Integrated Digital Twins

The UK construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with growing pressure to deliver projects more efficiently, sustainably, and transparently across the entire building lifecycle. Lean Construction principles have demonstrated strong potential to reduce waste and improve project flow, yet they are rarely integrated with whole-life information management frameworks or operational digital twins. This PhD project aims to bridge this gap by investigating how product and process information can be structured, managed, and continuously updated across design, construction, operation, and maintenance, enabling a true whole-life digital ecosystem for built assets. The research will explore how lean principles—flow, pull, value, waste reduction—can be embedded into lifecycle information workflows, creating a continuously improving feedback loop between physical assets and their digital twins. Research Goals: 1) Develop frameworks for integrating lean construction principles into lifecycle information management. 2) Investigate how digital twins can support predictive workflows, continuous improvement, and real-time decision-making. 3) Explore methods to structure product and process data for long-term use across project phases. 4) Propose digital workflows that enhance efficiency, transparency, and interoperability across stakeholders. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

International students: £29,500

UK students: £5,238

UK/Home: £5,238

International: £29,500

October 2026, February 2027, July 2027

31 December 2026

• Loughborough, United Kingdom