Introduction
Adopting advanced technological solutions transforms the journey of a construction project. Recently, one such solution, “digital twins” has been revolutionizing the execution and management of construction projects.
In this blog post, we cover various aspects of the digital twins in the construction context: definition, functionality, benefits, types, challenges and solutions, transformative impacts, examples, and the role of OnIndus in helping you leverage this technology.
What is a Digital Twin in Construction?
A digital twin is a dynamic digital representation, virtual replica of a physical asset or system that continuously receives and integrates real-time data from sensors, IoT devices, and other sources. This digital counterpart mirrors the physical entity in real-time, allowing for comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and performance optimization.
Integrating digital twin technology in construction projects strengthens project management by streamlining processes, optimizing workflows, and improving project efficiency.
How does Digital Twin in Construction Work?
As a dynamic digital model of the project, the platform interacts with data in many ways: collects sensor data, processes it to draw meaningful insights, and offers predictive analytics. These activities empower project teams to monitor progress accurately in real-time. Further, the teams can confidently leverage data to simulate scenarios and optimize performance throughout the project lifecycle.
7 Key Benefits of the Digital Twin in Construction
Adopting digital twins in construction contributes to the success of a project in several ways:
1. Enhanced resource planning and logistics
Effective resource utilization boosts the success of a construction project. Digital twins help you track resource allocation, material use, workforce deployment, and optimize equipment allocation. This information helps reduce waste generation, which ultimately leads to cost savings.
2. Automated progress monitoring
Construction activities require continuous data collection for progress monitoring. Digital twins automate these tedious manual data collection tasks. As a result, the project progress can be tracked in real-time, facilitating proactive interventions when necessary.
3. As-built vs. As-designed model comparison
During the execution of a project, there are chances of potential deviation from the planned design. Digital twins help identify such discrepancies at the earliest. This detection helps in quick quality control measures, such as adjustments to the design, that prevent further deflection from the original plan.
4. Improved decision-making and strategic planning
Decision-making backed by accurate data contributes to better project outcomes. Digital twins facilitate concrete decision-making by providing access to real-time data on several crucial parameters. Further, the data offers predictive analytics that helps anticipate challenges and plan future phases more accurately.
5. Enhanced safety monitoring and compliance
The safety of workers is one of the top priorities in a construction environment. To track worker well-being, the digital twin in construction helps implement real-time safety alerts. These alerts identify potential hazards and assist in planning measures to mitigate their consequences.
6. Optimized communication and collaboration among stakeholders
Efficient communication ensures stakeholders’ expertise and knowledge are used to their full potential. Digital twin merged with the process offers a centralized platform for all the stakeholders to access, share, and interact with real-time data. The combination optimizes workflows and fosters collaborative problem-solving, saving time and effort for the organization.
7. Data-driven assumptions and predictions
Construction projects often take lessons from experiences and historical data. However, this analysis is difficult, time-consuming, and prone to error. On the other hand, digital twins utilize artificial intelligence algorithms to provide precise analysis of vast amounts of historical and operational data that improves the prediction of future costs, timelines, and risks, which contributes to minimizing uncertainties.
Types of Digital Twin in Construction
There are four major types of digital twin solutions:
1. Component Twins: The component twins represent multiple small components within a system: pipes, valves, beams, etc. This solution enables detailed monitoring and maintenance of components at the granular level.
2. Asset Twins: Asset Twins are virtual replicas of complete assets such as buildings, bridges, and equipment. The asset twins provide comprehensive performance data that is helpful for optimized resource utilization.
3. System or Unit Twins: These present a complete functional unit formed by combining two different units; for example, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and other similar electrical systems. The system twins simplify system-wide performance analysis and predictive maintenance.
4. Process Twins: This digital twin type mimics various aspects of construction processes, such as material flow and workflow sequences. They facilitate real-time adjustments and process optimization.
Overcoming Digital Twin Construction Challenges
Sometimes, project teams may find adopting digital twins intimidating due to the implementation and maintenance challenges involved. However, with the right solution, teams can unlock the benefits of digital twins. The following table summarizes the potential challenges and the corresponding solutions.
| S. No. | Factors | Challenges | Solutions |
| 1 | Data Collection and Integration | Integrating data from different sources can be challenging because of varying formats, standards, and quality. | Use robust data integration tools and create set standards and guidelines for collecting data. |
| 2 | Initial Investment | Digital twins technology requires an initial investment in technology and expertise. | Begin with small projects, use existing data sources initially, and gradually increase adoption. |
| 3 | Workforce Development | Digital twins demand upskilling personnel in data analysis and technology. | Provide training opportunities, collaborate with experts, and encourage lifelong learning. |
| 4 | Change Management | Switching from traditional practices to a new technology may face resistance from the team. | Discuss the benefits in detail, involve stakeholders in the process, and showcase even the small outcomes. |
| 5 | Accuracy and Reliability | Data quality and system integrity are needed for accurate and valid insights. | Establish strong data validation protocols, select robust sensor technology, and audit the system regularly. |
5 Transformative Impacts of Digital Twin in Construction
1. Optimized Planning and Design: Allows virtual evaluation of design alternatives, testing the construction sequences, and predicting potential issues before executing the project.
2. Advanced Project Management: Monitors real-time progress by identifying deviations from time and budget constraints. Therefore, teams can make clear data-driven decisions and keep the project on track.
3. Lifecycle Management and Predictive Maintenance: Tracks asset health continuously and anticipates maintenance needs. This data is useful in optimizing interventions to extend asset lifespan and minimize downtime.
4. Boosting Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Analyzes energy consumption that helps optimize energy supply. It is a valuable input for implementing sustainable practices for reduced environmental impact.
5. Improving Safety and Worker Training: Facilitates simulation of hazardous scenarios and the evaluation of safety risks. This information helps develop accurate training models that ensure a safer work environment and reduce accidents.
Prominent Examples of Digital Twin in Construction
Some of the notable construction projects that have benefitted from the digital twin technology are:
- Turner Construction used a digital twin in building Salesforce Tower in San Francisco. Adopting digital twins saved $ 15 million and achieved a 100% safety record through optimized logistics, real-time progress monitoring, and early identification of potential clashes.
- Skanska executed a digital twin for the Stockholm New Metro project, leading to a 20% faster construction time. It was the result of enhanced communication and optimized allocation of resources.
- Siemens implemented a digital twin of a wind turbine farm that boosted revenue by $ 6.5 million/year. The digital twin helped predict maintenance needs, improve operational efficiency, and maximize energy output.
How OnIndus Helps Implement Digital Twin?
OnIndus, a capital project advisory firm led by industry veterans, has vast experience providing best-in-class services in construction technology. Our team brings cutting-edge solutions and technological expertise to assist businesses in implementing digital twins. With our seamless integration services, you can effortlessly adopt digital twins in construction project management. At OnIndus, we strive to make construction projects more and more efficient through our experience and expertise in construction technology, digital twins being one of them.
Conclusion
Digital twins enhance the quality of construction project management by offering valuable insights that mitigate risks, streamline operations, and boost the overall quality of work. By embracing digital twin technology, construction firms can work efficiently and sustainably. Partner with OnIndus for solutions and expertise that ensure you a smooth experience adapting to digital twins technology. Contact us now to build smarter, faster, and more sustainable projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a digital twin in construction?
The digital twin in construction is a digital replica of a physical space or a construction site. It is a 3D model that processes construction-related real-time data and integrates it into the model to optimize performance and enable quick decision-making.
Q: What is the difference between BIM and digital twins?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twins, both are digital representations of buildings but have some key differences.
BIM is a 3D design model of a building. It provides information on the geometry, material, specifications, and similar primary static data.
On the other hand, digital twins are dynamic replicas of the building. Using various sensor applications, they constantly provide real-time data on several parameters that help monitor performance, optimize operations, and predict future behavior.
Q: How are digital twins built?
Building digital twins is about integrating data from various sources like BIM models, sensor data, project management systems, and IoT devices.
It facilitates simulation and optimization of various construction project performance factors, leading to better outcomes.
Q: What is the digital twin structure?
A digital twin is composed of three components:
- Physical asset (building or a construction site)
- Virtual model of the physical asset
- Connecting platform that sends and integrates data into the virtual model