Digital Twins are revolutionizing construction, providing a precise virtual vision for more efficient planning and project management.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), also known as Digital Twins, were the main trends of recent years. But what do these buzzwords really mean? Although their importance is recognized, their impact on our daily lives is not yet clearly understood by most people.
The Digital Twin offers a crucial analytical advantage in the field of BIM (Building Information Modeling). The concept uses simulation to gain an in-depth understanding of each component. It collects sensor data from multiple sources and integrates it into a 3D model, enabling design teams to gain an in-depth understanding of each component. Thanks to the digital twin concept, BIM models evolve in real time, guaranteeing automatically updated views of the physical objects and buildings they represent.
Deciphering the "Digital Twins" terminology
To better understand the benefits of digital twins, we first need to clarify the jargon. So let's take a look at the words currently circulating in the construction industry:
IoT (Internet of Things): This is a network of devices that have access to the Internet and are able to communicate with each other. IoT devices can be monitored and controlled remotely. In the context of the digital twin, the IoT provides the framework for updating associated digital models in real time.
AI (Artificial Intelligence): AI is a general term for devices capable of learning from external stimuli to respond to commands or achieve goals. In the context of Digital Twins, AI is used to develop algorithms for automatically updating these models. For example, cameras and CO2 sensors can monitor the use of a room, and thanks to AI, the building information model is automatically updated to inform facility managers of any necessary changes.
Digital Twin: This is a virtual representation of a physical object or system. If supported by IoT and AI, a Digital Twin can be automatically updated based on real settings. Each is a true copy of the physical objects that provide information on the object's properties and states. The information can consist of physical orientation such as shape, position or movement, as well as other states, interactions and updates from data. The digital twin is capable of automatic analysis and advanced reasoning, making it possible to anticipate potential problems in complex industrial systems.
This concept aligns the real world with the virtual world, enabling a better understanding of the impact of the environment on a physical building. When these technologies are combined, a Digital Twin can learn from multiple sources and automatically adapt to accurately represent the status, state and position of its real-world counterpart.
The use of "Digital Twins" in construction.
The applications of digital twins in the construction industry are numerous. Thanks to instant data transmission and real-time model updates, they help improve the accuracy of 3D models, making them truly buildable/reproducible.
The main benefit of digital twins in civil engineering is to enhance the analytical capabilities of BIM. This technology enables real-time visualization of the condition, working conditions and location of physical parts, making 3D models more sophisticated and even improving the overview of tools and other resources.
Other common applications for the digital twin concept in construction are :
Resource management: Use digital twin technology to establish an information flow between the office and the construction industry. Thanks to automatic data delivery, you can anticipate assignment problems and adjust labor costs to your budget. This allows you to work more efficiently and cost-effectively on the construction site.
Added value: Digital Twins can be passed on to the customer to support continuous building improvement. The knowledge gained can help you make decisions for the future, and provide valuable insight into your day-to-day operations. A digital twin can be an advantage for customers wishing to use the data for future optimization or renovation projects.
Connectivity: Digital twins provide information on a central platform. This technology takes BIM a step further by automatically updating 3D models with constructible data. Component dimensions, model details, working conditions and much more can be integrated into content-rich models.
No matter how the technology is used, one fact remains: product performance enhances BIM capabilities by integrating real-world processes. The digital twin covers its lifecycle, from initial design to operation, providing an accurate and dynamic virtual representation of physical objects or a system. Models capable of tracking, storing and displaying complex data on the fly help provide valuable, actionable information for all phases of construction - and for years to come. From tender to construction, Digital Twins represent the future of work in this field.
