BimScaler Blog – The adoption of digital twins in construction is a great way to make projects more efficient, safer, more sustainable, and cheaper.
They’re basically digital copies of physical assets, with everything from the foundation to the roof included.
But what makes digital twins different from traditional 3D models? And how are they changing the industry?
How Do Digital Twins Differ from 3D Models?
While 3D models have been around for a while now, offering detailed visual representations of buildings and infrastructure, digital twins take this concept to the next level by creating a dynamic, real-time digital counterpart of the physical asset.
A 3D model is basically just a static graphical representation that’s used mainly during the design phase to show what the structure and its components look like.
It gives you a picture of what the project will look like, but it can’t update and reflect changes once construction starts.
In contrast, digital twins are built on top of 3D models but use real-time data from sensors, IoT devices and other sources to keep the physical asset up to date.
This integration of real-time data means that digital twins can simulate scenarios, predict issues and optimise performance throughout the entire construction project.
As De-Graft Joe Opoku and colleagues point out in “Digital twin application in the construction industry: A literature review,” digital twins have a huge potential in the construction industry.
They can help us respond to challenges before they happen and give us a full picture of the project throughout its lifecycle.
And don’t forget that digital twins can be updated in real time, which is one of their best features.
Jisoo Park and colleagues in “Unlocking the Potential of Digital Twins in Construction: A Systematic and Quantitative Review Using Text Mining,” explains how digital twins work based on data algorithms and the Internet of Things (IoT) to bridge the gap between cyber systems and physical structures.
This constant updating means that the digital twin always reflects the physical asset accurately and up to date, which helps improve communication with stakeholders, makes project management easier and makes the whole process more efficient.
How Can Digital Twins Help Construction?
Project Planning and Management
Digital twins give you a really detailed and up-to-date view of the project, which helps you make better decisions, reduce risks and get everyone working together better.
By simulating different scenarios and outcomes, digital twins help project managers plan more effectively and anticipate potential issues before they arise.
The great thing about digital twins is how they give you all the info you need to make the best designs and work better with everyone on the project.
If you need a bit of background, you can take a look at “Building a Better Project: How to Create Digital Twins for Positive Impact.”
Asset Management and Maintenance
One of the most useful things about digital twins is that they can help with predictive maintenance.
By monitoring the performance of our physical assets and crunching the numbers in real time, digital twins can flag up potential problems before they become issues.
And yes, this means we can avoid downtime and keep our assets in tip-top shape for longer.
This is a huge plus when it comes to keeping buildings and infrastructure in good shape.
Safety Management
By simulating construction processes and identifying hazards, digital twins help improve site safety and reduce accidents.
The ability to conduct virtual safety drills and assess the impact of different construction methods on worker safety provides invaluable insights for creating safer work environments.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Digital twins can make a big impact on energy efficiency and sustainability in construction projects.
By keeping an eye on and controlling energy use in real-time, digital twins help make sure that energy is used as efficiently as possible, which is good for the environment.
This capability is in line with the growing demand for green building practices and helps reduce the environmental impact of construction projects.
Quality Control and Management
Making sure the construction meets quality standards is really important for the project to be a success.
Digital twins let you keep an eye on things in real time and crunch the numbers to make sure that construction processes are on the right track.
This helps to cut down on mistakes and extra work, which in turn leads to better quality results and more efficient project management.
What is the Concept of a Digital Twin for Construction Safety?
A digital twin is basically a digital version of a physical asset or system that’s updated in real time with the latest data.
This integration lets construction managers run through different scenarios and spot potential problems before they become critical issues.
De-Graft Joe Opoku and his colleagues say digital twins can help us deal with problems before they happen, which is really important for safety management.
For instance, by modelling different construction methods and materials within the digital twin, project managers can test their safety without putting workers at risk.
This approach not only helps to reduce risks but also makes it easier to find safer ways of doing things.
Jisoo Park and her colleagues say in their review that digital twins, with IoT and data algorithms, create a virtual environment for design and simulation, which is really useful for improving site safety and reducing accidents.
What’s more, digital twins can provide real-time data from sensors and IoT devices embedded in construction sites.
This data can let managers know about unsafe conditions, like structural weaknesses or dangerous environments, so they can take action right away.
The digital twins keep an eye on things 24/7, making sure that safety protocols are followed to the letter and that any problems are fixed right away.
This real-time insight is a big deal for keeping safety standards high throughout the construction project.
How do Digital Twins Work in Construction?
Digital twins in construction work by combining several cutting-edge technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT, AI, and data analytics, to create a comprehensive, real-time digital version of a physical asset.
The first step is to create a detailed 3D model using BIM, which is the basis for the digital twin.
Then, they add real-time data from sensors and IoT devices on the construction site.
Jisoo Park and her colleagues explain how digital twins work based on data algorithms and IoT, which helps to bridge the gap between cyber systems and physical structures.
This continuous synchronisation means that the digital twin is always up to date and accurate, which helps everyone involved in the project to communicate better and manage the project more effectively.
AI and data analytics tools let digital twins process and analyse the collected data, giving them the power to provide insights, predictions and simulations.
For instance, the digital twin can take in real-time data on things like temperature, humidity, structural integrity, and worker movements.
This data is then looked at to spot patterns, predict problems, and make the construction process more efficient.
Plus, digital twins make it easier for everyone involved in the construction project to work together.
By giving everyone on the project access to the same, up-to-date data, digital twins make sure that engineers and project managers have the same information.
This level of transparency and real-time data sharing makes it easier to make decisions and reduces the likelihood of errors and rework.
One of the best things about digital twins is that they can simulate different scenarios and do predictive analysis.
By running simulations, project managers can see how different design changes, construction methods or environmental conditions affect the project.
This proactive approach helps us plan and execute construction projects more efficiently and safely.
If you want to get the full lowdown, kindly read “How do Digital Twins Work: A Cheat Sheet of Magic Behind Virtual Replica.”
How to Get Seamless Integration With Maximum Efficiency of Digital Twins
As you can see, digital twins are pretty complex and unique. And yes, every construction project is different because of the specific needs, goals, requirements, and so on.
That’s why we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we make sure our services fit your specific needs and goals.
Our team of experts will work with you to create and maintain accurate, high-impact digital twins that align perfectly with your objectives.
This means you’ll have less disruption and can start reaping the benefits of this transformative technology pretty quickly.
The main thing is that you’ll be able to see what’s going on with your assets in real-time, so you can spot and fix any problems before they get worse.
This proactive approach helps you avoid downtime, make your operations more efficient, and save money.
Now, it is your time for a background check. So, kindly visit our BIM Management Support page here.
Or, if you want the conversation, contact us today to schedule a lunch and consultation. We’re really excited to show you what we can do for you.
In Closing
As technology keeps moving forward, digital twins are going to be a key way to make things more efficient and cut costs in construction.
If the industry gets on board with this technology now, we can look forward to a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future.
At the end of the day, using digital twins in construction is a big step forward for the industry.
