Lean Construction and Whole-Life Information Management Through Integrated Digital Twins (Ref: ABCE-EBE-ZH1)

About the Project

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.

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead:
Dr Zhiqi Hu z.hu2@lboro.ac.uk
https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/abce/staff/zhiqi-hu/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience are desirable. The ideal applicant will have a background in Architecture, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Computing, or a related field, demonstrate programming ability (e.g. Python, C++), have an ability to work with 2D and 3D data environments (BIM, IFC, or similar), and demonstrate an interest in digital twins, information management, or lean construction.

English language requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Bench fees required: No

Closing date of advert: 30th June 2026

Start date: October 2026

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Fee band: 2025/26 Band RB (UK £5,006, International £28,600)

How to apply:
All applications must be made online and must include a completed studentship application form (instead of a personal statement) and a two-page research proposal based on the project description outlining how you would approach the project and what methods you would use. Under programme name, please select ‘Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering (Built Environment)’. Please quote advert reference ABCE-EBE-ZH1.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents including an up-to-date CV, but a personal statement is not required.
ABCE will use these selection criteria to make a decision on your application.

Project search terms:
architecture, architecture, building & planning, artificial intelligence, automotive engineering, built environment, civil engineering, computer architectures, computer vision, construction management, data analysis, data science, engineering, environmental engineering, machine learning

Email Address ABCE:
abce.pgr@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk