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Digital Twin

July 24, 2023 by admin

A digital twin, also called data twin, is a digital representation of a real-world object. Digital twins are used in construction projects to create exact replicas of real-world spaces. These 3D models allow construction teams to interact virtually with the physical property during the design and planning stages.

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.

Digital twins give project teams immersive access to critical building intelligence in real time, which allows them to realize benefits in several key areas:

• Faster and easier collaboration among project stakeholders
• Increased productivity
• More efficient workflows between contractors and trades
• Reduction of issues and RFI’s 
• Better construction safety
• Increased accuracy and quality
• Reduce construction costs

By incorporating digital twins into the BIM (Building Information Modelling) process, contractors and A/E firms can address many of the most pressing challenges in the industry, including low productivity, profitability, performance, and high error and accident rates. Digital twins in construction can also help firms reduce their virtual design and construction costs and, potentially, win more bids.

Despite the numerous advantages of digital twins, there are also some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed such as:

• Limitations on data collection
• Financial Limitations
• Security issues
• No structure or defined SOPs

Digital twins in construction are created by combining several types of data, including 3D models, sensor data, and real-time performance data, into a single platform. This platform can then be used to simulate and optimize different scenarios, such as material choices, energy usage, and maintenance schedules. Both digital twins and BIM models are digital representations of physical spaces. The main difference between the two is that BIM 3D models are used for visualizing the design and construction of an asset, while a digital twin enables virtual interaction with that asset.

The potential of digital twin is truly phenomenal. As the concept and the technology evolve, the collaborative and predictive impact of digital twins cannot be undermined. As per estimates, the market for digital twin is set to grow at a rate of more than 30% per year from 2020 till 2025. India and other countries are already investing into IIoT; digital twin is one more step in the right direction.