Interscale Content Hub – The move from BIM to digital twin tech is the next big step in digital innovation. It lets us interact with physical assets in a more dynamic, real-time way.
This powerful combination is set to change the Australian Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) landscape.
That’s why it’s a great idea to look at how digital twins are changing from BIM models, the amazing potential of this integration, and real-world examples of how they’re being used.
We’ll also look at an important question: What’s the difference between digital twins and BIM models?
The Rise of Digital Twin Technology
The idea of a digital twin isn’t new, but it’s only recently gained a lot of attention.
A digital twin is basically a virtual copy of a physical object with all the latest data from sensors and IoT devices.
This technology doesn’t just mirror the physical object, it also predicts, simulates and optimises its performance.
The rise of digital twins can be traced back to the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
In a review of the literature on digital twins, Mingyan Deng and colleagues identify several goals for these technologies.
- Bringing the real world and a virtual platform into sync.
- They make it easier to manage and control construction processes, facility management, environmental monitoring, and other processes throughout the life of a building.
Mingyan Deng and colleagues say while digital twin research is still in its early days, the technology could be a real breakthrough for the AEC-FM industry, making it possible to connect and make decisions in real time.
Qiuchen Lu and colleagues in “From BIM towards Digital Twin: Strategy and Future Development for Smart Asset Management,” also talk about how important digital twins are in their article, ‘From BIM towards Digital Twin: Strategy and Future Development for Smart Asset Management’.
Qiuchen Lu and colleagues point out another key benefit of digital twins: they combine AI, machine learning, and data analytics to create dynamic digital models that learn and update from multiple data sources.
This integration not only makes it easier to manage assets but also gives a complete picture of their lifecycle, which helps us make better decisions and improve performance.
The Transition from BIM to Digital Twin
Building Information Modelling (BIM) was the start of digital twins in the AEC industry. BIM gives you a detailed 3D model of a building, with all the geometric and semantic information you could need.
However, as Lu et al. (2021) point out, BIM is mainly a static representation. Lu et al. look at the limitations of BIM in the operations and maintenance phase.
These limitations show there’s a need for a more dynamic and integrated approach, which digital twins can provide.
They suggest a way forward for smart asset management, using digital twins to plug the gaps in current BIM implementations.
This shift involves a few key steps, including combining data from BIM models, making systems work together, and managing the entire lifecycle.
Plus, as Min Deng and colleagues point out, digital twins build on the good work done with BIM and IoT technologies.
The combination provides real-time insights and predictive capabilities that improve how we manage and operate built environments.
Moving from BIM to digital twins is a big change. It goes from static, isolated models to interconnected, dynamic systems that offer a more holistic and real-time view of asset performance.
Integrating BIM and Digital Twin Technologies
The best thing about BIM and digital twins is how they work together. BIM data is the building block, the skeleton of the digital twin.
The idea behind combining BIM and digital twin technologies is to bring together data from the design, construction and operational phases into one coherent system.
A recent review by Deng and colleagues looks at the current state of the art in digital twin technologies.
It highlights the need for better data exchange and interoperability across the different stages of a building’s lifecycle.
They suggest a five-level ladder system to show how advanced digital twin applications can be, and how important it is to keep sharing information throughout a building’s life cycle.
Lu and colleagues suggest a kind of tree-like structure for managing smart DT-enabled assets.
They say it’s important to make sure the system is smart, efficient, integrated and works well with other systems.
They also point out how IoT, AI and machine learning can be used to create a dynamic digital platform that keeps on updating the current condition of physical assets.
This integration not only makes asset management better, but it also helps stakeholders work together better by giving them one place to go to get the truth.
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Applications of BIM-based Digital Twins
As previously discussed, digital twins are great for asset planning, construction and management because they provide real-time data and predictive analytics.
That’s why, with all these great benefits, there are so many ways to use BIM-based digital twins in different sectors.
Putting real-time data together with BIM models means you can keep an eye on things and make improvements all the time, which leads to better performance and savings on costs.
Deng and others have grouped digital twins into categories based on things like construction processes, building energy performance, and indoor environment monitoring.
Deng and colleagues show how digital twins could change these areas by providing real-time insights and decision-making capabilities.
In construction, digital twins are used to keep track of progress, simulate construction sequences, and flag up potential problems before they become costly.
In facility management, the digital twin helps to make buildings perform better, use less energy and keep people more comfortable.
In infrastructure management, digital twins keep an eye on bridges, tunnels and roads, spotting when they need a bit of TLC and helping them last longer.
The Barangaroo precinct in Sydney is a prime example of how digital twins, the NSW Spatial Digital Twin, are being used to model and coordinate complex infrastructure projects.
Another example is how digital twins are being used to improve the facilities management of the Sydney Opera House.
This helps ensure efficient maintenance and that the building can continue to run smoothly for a long time.
How does a Digital Twin Differ from a BIM Model?
BIM and digital twins are two similar concepts, but they’re not the same thing. As Lu et al. (2021) points out, the main difference is in what they cover and how they change over time.
BIM models give you a detailed, static view of an asset, which is great for the construction phase.
On the flip side, the digital twins offer a dynamic, real-time view of the asset throughout its lifecycle.
Lu et al. say these digital twins use AI, machine learning and IoT to create models that learn and update from lots of different data sources.
This gives a better view of an asset’s performance than a static BIM model.
Deng et al. also point out how digital twins let you connect and make decisions in real time, which adds to the value of BIM by using real-time data and predictive analytics.
As another reference, you might want to read “Why Digital Twin is Important: Guide to a Multiverse and Saving Millions.“
Managing the Complexity of BIM to Digital Twins
As we’ve seen, if you want to make the move from BIM to digital twins, you’ll need to have a good grasp of both technologies, as well as know your way around data integration, analytics and visualisation.
At Interscale, we can provide custom BIM solutions to suit the particular requirements of both BIM and digital twins.
We’ve been in the BIM management game for many years, so we’ll ensure your project uses the latest technology and strategy.
Our strategic BIM implementation is designed to get the best results for your project.
Whether your project requires detailed architectural design or the large-scale integration required for infrastructure, we can ensure you get the results you want.
Clients like K2LD Architects have seen the benefits of Interscale’s customised BIM management, which has made their architectural processes easier and helped them deliver projects more effectively.
Now, you can find out more about what we do by doing a bit of background research.
For the initial phase, take a look at our Interscale BIM management service page.
You can also get in touch with us by booking an appointment on our website. We’re here for you 24/7.
In Closing
The move from Building Information Modelling (BIM) to digital twin technology is a big step forward for many industries.
This new tech is a game-changer for Australian AEC pros. It can really help projects, cut costs, and promote sustainability.
That’s why Interscale supporting systems become your solutions to the transition from BIM to digital twin technology and maintain a competitive edge.
