Interscale Content Hub – A construction digital twin is more than just a 3D model. That’s why we need to understand how construction digital twin works.
By giving you a complete, up-to-date view of the project, digital twins help you make better decisions, improve how you work with other people involved in the project, and help you spot and deal with potential problems before they become expensive problems.
Now, it is our time to go into the details.
How Construction Digital Twins Are Created
Gathering Data and Integration
As Rafael Sacks and colleagues explain in “Construction with digital twin information systems,” your journey starts with data collection.
This is where information is gathered from different sources throughout the building’s lifecycle. This includes the design blueprints and Building Information Modelling (BIM) data.
Also, we need to integrate the real-time sensor readings that show us what’s going on with the building – things like temperature fluctuations, humidity levels and energy consumption patterns.
Even maintenance logs and external factors like weather data help to build up this big picture of information.
The next step is integration, where all this different data is brought together into one unified platform, often in the cloud.
This creates a model that’s always up to date and reflects the physical asset exactly. The real power of the digital twin is that it can receive updates in real time.
This lets project managers keep an eye on how things are going, spot potential problems early and make decisions that keep the project on track.
For instance, IoT sensors can be used to keep an eye on the structural integrity and environmental conditions, which helps to predict when maintenance is needed and make sure resources are used as effectively as possible.
For more technical info on Python, you can read “How to Build a Digital Twin in Python: Roadmap to Python-Powered Project.”
Real-time Monitoring and Analysis
By building a detailed virtual model of the project, stakeholders can test out different scenarios to see what will happen and make sure they’re on the right track.
This is a great way to test different design choices, construction sequences and operational strategies without the risk and cost of physical trials.
In ‘A Study of Smart Construction Based on the Digital Twins’, Ran Bi talks about how digital twins were used in the ‘Ice Ribbon’ stadium for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
Sensors all over the stadium collected data on things like air quality and light levels, and sent it back to a digital copy in the cloud.
This meant that any changes could be made to systems like ice maintenance and dehumidification straight away, so that the conditions were always just right for the athletes and spectators.
And it’s not just for stadiums. What if there were sensors in a skyscraper in Sydney that monitored things like structural stress, wind loads, and even the building’s sway?
Integrating this data into the digital twin lets engineers spot potential problems like structural weaknesses or areas where too much energy is being used before they actually happen.
Simulation and Scenario Planning
We should remember not to limit our thinking to just monitoring the present. Digital twins can also help us predict the future.
For example, a construction team in Melbourne could use a digital twin to see how a proposed high-rise would hold up in a severe storm or how different façade materials would affect energy efficiency.
This means you can make better decisions when you’re designing and planning, which could save you a lot of time and resources in the long run.
Ran Bi points out you can use digital twins to simulate different environmental conditions and how they affect the construction process. This makes it easier to plan and manage risks.
What’s more, this approach helps us assess the feasibility and efficiency of different construction methods and materials, leading to better decision-making and cost savings.
Enhanced Collaboration and Communication
As Sacks and colleagues have shown, digital twins provide a centralised platform where everyone can access the latest information.
This means everyone involved in the project, from architects and engineers to contractors and even the future owners, can work together easily.
Digital twins help people work together better, which means problems get solved faster and projects are more efficient overall.
And yes, this collaboration platform helps to avoid any confusion, mistakes and ensures everyone is on the same page.
For instance, a digital twin can help different teams work together more effectively by showing everyone what’s going on and where there are issues.
Benefits of Digital Twins in Construction
Both Sacks et al., and Ran Bi point out there could be big savings in costs. If you spot problems early on and get your maintenance schedules just right, you can slash construction and operational costs.
The “Ice Ribbon” stadium in Beijing is a great example. Using digital twin technology, they were able to cut down on the venue’s energy use, which helps keep costs down in the long run.
And let’s not forget how well digital twins can simulate emergency scenarios, such as fires or earthquakes.
This means there are better ways to evacuate and spot potential safety issues. This can help make construction sites and buildings safer, which protects workers and occupants.
Digital twins also help to make things more efficient. Simpler workflows, better use of resources and data-driven decision-making all help projects to finish faster and waste less.
The Xiongan New Area project in China, as described by Ran Bi, shows how digital twins can completely transform the construction process, from planning to execution.
Challenges and Considerations
One of the main hurdles is getting all the data to play nicely together. Making all your data from different sources fit together can be tricky.
These complexities need robust data integration tools and standardised protocols to make sure the data flows seamlessly.
Another big challenge is the initial investment needed to get digital twin technology up and running. This includes costs for buying the tech, setting up the data infrastructure, and training staff.
Sacks and colleagues also say security is a big issue. With all that data being collected and stored in a digital twin, it’s vital to ensure its protection from cyber threats.
Another important thing to think about is workforce development. With the rise of digital twins, we’re seeing a need for new skills in data analysis and tech management.
Keeping the team up to speed with regular training and encouraging a culture of continuous learning is key to getting the most out of this new tech.
Finally, it’s important to manage change when implementing digital twin technology.
People used to traditional construction methods might not be keen on moving over to a digital twin approach.
If you get all the stakeholders involved in the process and make sure they understand the benefits, it should help make the transition a bit easier.
And Just to flag up to another obstacle, you can read “What Challenges Do Digital Twins Solve? How the Twin Can Be Your Aspirin.”
With these challenges in mind, you can start with smaller projects and then gradually scale up to manage costs effectively.
Or, You Can Start Consider Digital Twins Management Support
We at Interscale offer customized solutions to help you adopt and manage your digital twin projects. Why choose Interscale?
We’ve got the know-how to make sure your digital twin implementation is smooth and effective, and we can help you with data integration and provide training for your team.
What does that mean for your business?
It doesn’t matter what you want to do with your BIM workflows – make them more efficient, create some cool VR experiences or develop a comprehensive construction digital twin strategy – Interscale has the relevant experience and expertise to guide you.
Rest assured, we’ll be there to support you every step of the way. We’ll help your construction work run more efficiently, make better decisions and bring new ideas to market faster.
Don’t hesitate to drop us a line to arrange a meeting. We’re ready to make adjustments to meet your needs and goals.
Alternatively, you can read some basic info on our Interscale BIM Management Support page here.
In Closing
These virtual copies of real buildings are a great way to get more insight and control over projects.
Embracing digital twins isn’t just about keeping up with the times. It’s about opening the door to a whole new era of possibilities in construction.
Adopting this tech, understanding how construction digital twins works, and having an expert support system in place will help you stay competitive in the market.
