A Systematic Literature Review on Disruptions in Construction Supply Chain: Some Stylized Trends

Abstract

Construction supply chains (CSC) are intricate systems characterized by fragmentation and inefficiencies, which have been exacerbated by external disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and geopolitical instabilities. These challenges underscore the urgent need for resilient and adaptive supply chain strategies that integrate emerging technologies. However, existing research remains fragmented, lacking a comprehensive framework that aligns digital innovations with broader operational, economic, and stakeholder considerations. To bridge this gap, this study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) complemented by natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze existing knowledge on CSC disruptions and resilience-building strategies. A total of 63 articles were reviewed, with thematic clustering and topic modeling applied to uncover key challenges and opportunities. Findings reveal two primary clusters: macro-level strategies focused on systemic resilience and micro-level solutions addressing operational inefficiencies. The results indicate that while Industry 4.0 and modular construction methods offer promising solutions, their integration into CSC frameworks remains inconsistent. By combining qualitative SLR insights with quantitative NLP analysis, this study provides a holistic perspective on CSC disruptions and potential resilience strategies, offering valuable implications for both academia and industry. In particular, it might support practitioners in identifying suitable solutions for material tracking and in turn reducing inefficiencies. In addition, the issue of collaboration and information sharing is stressed in order to achieve a more aware decision-making process and reduce the level of uncertainty with a consequent higher resilience along the supply chain in the construction industry