ITcon Vol. 30, pg. 1728-1748, http://www.itcon.org/2025/71

Investigating the persistence of unstructured data in AEC: A critical realist exploration of domain challenges in the Irish construction industry

DOI:10.36680/j.itcon.2025.071
submitted:August 2025
revised:November 2025
published:November 2025
editor(s):Turk Z
authors:Hamza Tariq, PhD Student
University College Dublin, School of Civil Engineering, Ireland
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2731-1603
hamzatariq70@hotmail.com

Ciaran McNally, Associate Professor
University College Dublin, School of Civil Engineering, Ireland
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2159-2634
ciaran.mcnally@ucd.ie

James O’Donnell, Professor
University of Limerick, School of Engineering, Ireland, University College Dublin, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and UCD Energy Institute, Ireland
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5881-9989
james.odonnell@ucd.ie, James.ODonnell@ul.ie
summary:This study investigates the underlying domain challenges contributing to the persistence of unstructured data in the AEC industry. Following a critical realist paradigm, a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with professionals across various practices in the Irish construction sector were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed five key domain challenges: (1) Knowledge gaps related to fundamental data science concepts, BIM, digital twins, and linked data; (2) Stakeholder dynamics, particularly client influence and misalignment between client needs and designer proposals; (3) The "single source of truth" dilemma arising from ISO 19650 implementation challenges; (4) Process inertia stemming from email dependence, perceived benefits of unstructured data, underdeveloped models, and skills deficiencies; and (5) Contractual and regulatory requirements that fail to incentivize structured data adoption. Mapping these themes to a people, process and technology framework revealed that the majority of these problems are systematic in nature. These findings suggest that the industry needs a multifaceted approach addressing knowledge enhancement, stakeholder alignment, standard simplification, workflow modernization, and regulatory integration to overcome the barriers to structured data implementation. This study identifies valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders seeking to facilitate automation in construction information management.
keywords:unstructured data, AEC, qualitative study, thematic analysis, semi-structured interviews
full text: (PDF file, 2.213 MB)
citation:Tariq H, McNally C, O’Donnell J (2025). Investigating the persistence of unstructured data in AEC: A critical realist exploration of domain challenges in the Irish construction industry, ITcon Vol. 30, pg. 1728-1748, https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2025.071
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