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Digital Twins in Construction





A digital twin, also called data twin, is a digital representation of a real world object. Digital twins have many applications outside the built environment, and are used in the automotive, healthcare, systems engineering, and aerospace industries. For example, digital twin technology has been used to improve performance in Formula 1 racing and to improve care during surgery.

In construction, a digital twin is an exact digital replica of a construction project or asset: A building or group of buildings, a bridge, a highway, a city block, or even an entire city. Digital twins in construction can also be called data twins, virtual models or even next-generation as-built drawings.

Digital twins are created by gathering and combining real-world information about the building or structure using technologies such as 3D laser scanners, drones, sensors, cameras, and other IoT-related devices. When supported by IoT and AI, a digital twin is able to learn from multiple sources and automatically update to reflect adjustments made to its real-world counterpart.

Since a digital twin delivers information on the object’s properties and states, information can include physical orientation (such as shape, position, gesture or motion), as well as insight into other statuses, interactions and updates - such as stress loads due to traffic or wind, or leaking pipes.

Other benefits of digital twins in construction include:
  • Resource Management: Digital twins make it possible to create an information pipeline between the office and the field. With the aid of automatic data delivery, project stakeholders can predict allocation issues and help balance labor costs with budgets. This helps the jobsite run more efficiently and affordably.
  • Connectivity: Digital twins deliver information in a centralized platform. This technology takes BIM a bit further by automatically updating 3D models with constructible data. Component dimensions, model details, working conditions, and more can be added to content-enabled models. This way, no details get lost as a model evolves with the building over the years. The benefits of digital twins don’t end when the initial construction is complete. They continue to offer smart solutions to everyday asset use.
  • Value-added deliverable: Digital twins can be handed over to the project owner to help support ongoing structural enhancements. The insight they provide can help inform future decision making and offer invaluable insight into day-to-day operations. A digital twin can also be a value-added asset for clients looking to leverage data in future optimization projects.
  • Streamlined facility management: Digital twins can offload much of the burden of asset management. For example, when a repair is needed, a digital twin can pinpoint problem areas and share necessary specs with techs. It can even keep track of who to bill for the work.
  • Ongoing improved efficiencies: To truly increase efficiency, you need to know how the facility is being used. KONE recently used digital twins to analyze how people are using elevators. Sensors were used to track how people moved through buildings. The goal: cut down elevator wait times, especially during busy mornings.
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