Interscale Content Hub – In Australia and many other countries, digital twins for buildings are being adopted because of big leaps forward in data processing, cloud computing and sensor tech.
Digital twins are a step up from traditional Building Information Modelling (BIM) because they provide a dynamic, real-time platform that not only visualises but also analyses and simulates building performance.
The New South Wales (NSW) Spatial Digital Twin project is a great example of how this technology is being used in Australia.
It brings together lots of different data sets, from live transport data to infrastructure details, to create a dynamic and multi-dimensional model that supports various urban planning and management activities.
So, why are we still here? Let’s take a look at a few specific areas where digital twins for buildings are being used.
How Digital Twins Work in Building Management
The process kicks off with the ongoing collection of data from sensors and IoT devices spread throughout the building.
This data includes things like temperature, humidity, energy use and how many people are in the building at any given time.
For instance, as Ran Bi points out in “A Study of Smart Construction Based on the Digital Twins,” digital twins use real-time sensing to map physical systems into a digital virtual world, which makes it easier to manage a building throughout its entire life cycle.
Once the data has been collected, it is processed and stored in a cloud-based platform, which means it can be analysed in real time.
Advanced analytics tools and machine learning algorithms take a look at the data and provide insights that can be acted on.
These insights are shown in a 3D model of the building, which users can use to test out different scenarios and predict how it will perform in the future.
In “Enabling an Ecosystem of Digital Twins,” Bart Brink and colleagues from buildingSMART show how digital twins can be used to simulate construction processes and make them more efficient before construction even begins, which helps to reduce risks and improve efficiency.
The great thing about digital twins is you get a continuous feedback loop where the virtual model updates in real-time based on the incoming data.
This means we can do predictive maintenance, spotting potential issues before they become major problems.
Alex Collinson and colleagues from Deloitte show in “Digital Twins in Real Estate – Humanizing Buildings in the Age of Industry 4.0“ how digital twins can predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance in advance, so you can avoid downtime and make your building components last longer.
As you might imagine, the real power of a digital twin is in its ability to mirror real-world conditions. This is where the Internet of Things (IoT) comes in.
We’ve got sensors all over the building, collecting data in real time on things like temperature, humidity, occupancy, energy use and structural integrity.
So yes, the combination of BIM and IoT is essential for creating a complete digital twin.
BIM provides the basic model, while IoT sensors act as the building’s nervous system, constantly sending information about its health and performance.
As a point of reference, we suggest reading “Your Digital Twin’s Evil Twin: A Roadmap to The Risks of Digital Twins.”
Benefits of Digital Twins for Buildings
One of the best things about this is that it helps you work more efficiently.
By keeping an eye on the data in real time, facility managers can spot where building systems, like HVAC and lighting, aren’t working as well as they could be.
This means the facility managers can make any changes based on the data to cut energy use and costs.
As Alex Collinson and colleagues point out, making the most of HVAC and lighting can bring big cost savings, because these systems make up a big chunk of a building’s running costs.
Digital twins are also really useful for predictive maintenance. By looking at data from sensors and old records, the digital twin can spot when equipment might fail before it actually does.
Ran Bi also mentions how digital twins were used in the “Ice Ribbon” stadium for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
The technology was used to monitor and improve various systems, making sure that athletes and spectators had a great experience while also reducing the stadium’s carbon footprint.
On top of that, digital twins can also make the place more comfortable for people who work or study there.
If building managers keep an eye on things like the weather and how many people are in the building at any given time, they can make the place more comfortable and productive for the people who work there.
The Deloitte report makes a good point: buildings are not just assets, they’re ecosystems that impact the people who live and work within them.
With digital twins, building managers can take a more human-centric approach, focusing on creating spaces that respond to human needs and preferences.
Key Applications of Digital Twins in Building Management
There are lots of ways digital twins can be used in building management, and they all help to improve performance and efficiency.
Energy Management
By giving building managers real-time insights into how their buildings use energy, digital twins help them to use energy more efficiently and cut costs.
This is a key tool for achieving sustainability goals and staying on top of energy regulations.
As Ran Bi pointed out, digital twins can help manage the energy consumption of large-scale infrastructures like sports arenas, which can really help to reduce their carbon footprint.
Space Utilisation
Digital twins are handy for analysing and optimising space usage within buildings.
If managers know when and where their staff are working, they can make sure they’re using space efficiently and don’t need to take on more physical space than they need.
This was shown in the NSW Spatial Digital Twin project, which helps with lots of different urban planning and management tasks.
Facility Management
Digital twins help keep building systems up and running, from HVAC to lighting and security.
They make sure everything’s working as it should and flag up any issues quickly. This makes the whole management process more streamlined and efficient.
When it comes to maintenance planning, digital twins can predict when equipment might fail and let you get ahead of the problem with some proactive maintenance.
Emergency Preparedness
In an emergency, digital twins can help by providing real-time data and simulations to assist with evacuation planning and response strategies.
This feature makes things safer and helps us respond to emergencies quickly and effectively.
One thing you might find helpful is reading “Digital Twins for Predictive Maintenance: Roadmap to Build a Sixth Sense.”
Lifecycle Management
Digital twins are a great way to manage the whole lifecycle of a building, from the design and construction stages right through to operation and renovation.
This way of looking at things makes sure that buildings stay efficient and functional throughout their life.
For instance, digital twins can help us identify ways to reuse and recycle materials, which cuts down on waste and reduces the environmental impact of construction.
The Victorian Government’s Digital Twin Victoria initiative is another great example of this in action.
It brings together 2D, 3D and live data on one platform to make planning and maintenance of infrastructure easier.
How to Get Started With Digital Twins and Get Support System
Given all the benefits and processes involved, it’s easy to see how complex digital twins are!
Some of the challenges around adopting this technology include data integration, system interoperability, and the need for specific skills.
Yes, digital twins have a lot going on, but you don’t have to go it alone.
At Interscale, we can help you make the smart move with our comprehensive BIM management services, and show you how to harness the power of digital twins.
From creating the models and integrating the data to analysing and visualising, Interscale has got you covered with customised solutions that fit your needs.
We know BIM inside out, and we understand the Australian AEC landscape, so we can make sure you get the most out of your digital twin investment.
One of our most recent projects was the Ewert Leaf project, where we developed a digital twin to make sure we were using energy as efficiently as possible and cutting costs.
Drop us a line and we’ll get together to grab a coffee and see how we can help.
We’re here for you day and night, and we’d love to show you how we can help you achieve your goals.
Or, if you just want to get a quick overview, you can visit and read our Interscale BIM Management Support page here.
In Closing
The insights gained from digital twins help building managers make better decisions that improve how buildings work and make them more resilient.
As this tech becomes more accessible and integrated into the Australian AEC industry, it will drive innovation and efficiency in building projects.
But, please remember, the adoption of digital twins for buildings is hard yakka. That’s why we at Interscale are here to support you.
