Semantic Web Technologies in Construction Facility Management: A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Directions

Abstract

The Facility Management (FM) sector is often hampered by data fragmentation and poor interoperability, hindering operational efficiency. To overcome these challenges, Semantic Web Technologies (SWTs) offer a robust framework by enabling machine-readable data integration. However, the application of SWTs in FM is underexplored. Therefore, this study systematically analyzes the structure, evolution, and emerging trends of SWT applications in FM to provide a clear research roadmap. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were conducted on a final dataset of 107 academic articles using co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analysis. The results reveal that research in this domain has experienced exponential growth since 2021, with publications concentrated in high-impact journals. While a core group of influential authors has emerged, international collaboration remains fragmented. Thematic analysis identified a clear evolutionary trajectory from foundational concepts like BIM and ontologies toward applied Digital Twins and, most recently, advanced automation using Knowledge Graphs. This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for future inquiry, highlighting the need to mature technology integration, advance applied digital twins, and develop domain-specific ontologies to create more intelligent facilities. Ultimately, this study provides managers and policy-makers with a data-driven reference for strategically prioritizing investments in digitalization to achieve sustainable facility operation.