Multi-scale integration of smart technologies for climate-resilient urban road infrastructure: a systematic literature review and conceptual framework

Purpose Urban road infrastructure (roads, bridges, pavement and drainage systems) is increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events, flooding and heat stress, threatening its structural integrity and long-term functionality. This systematic literature review investigates how smart technologies can enhance the climate resilience of urban road systems. Design/methodology/approach A four-phase systematic literature review was conducted, beginning with the selection of 78 key studies from 1,684 Scopus-indexed publications. This was followed by bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer and qualitative content analysis with NVivo. The review employed an inductive approach, focusing on identifying technological applications, integration patterns, challenges and frameworks through systematic content analysis. Findings Through systematic content analysis, the review identified seven core technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Twin (DT) systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data (BD) and Remote Sensing (RS). These technologies form an integrated digital ecosystem: GIS and RS supply spatial and environmental data; IoT sensors provide real-time monitoring; BIM supports infrastructure design and lifecycle modelling; DT systems simulate infrastructure performance using live and historical data; and AI, in conjunction with BD, facilitates predictive analytics and automated decision-making. Despite their potential, implementing these technologies presents several challenges, including data interoperability issues, technological immaturity, fragmented policies and socio-technical barriers. Originality/value The study proposes a conceptual framework to guide the integration of smart technologies into climate resilience strategies for urban road infrastructure. It also recommends developing standardised integration frameworks to enhance interoperability, cross-sectoral governance structures and capacity-building initiatives to support practical implementation.