What is Digital Twin?
A digital twin represents a real object or data digitally, through a virtual environment. It is a replica of a physical object. It is functional in various kinds of sectors such as engineering, healthcare, real estate, automotive and so many others.
When we talk about the construction industry, the role of digital twins is immense. It showcases the digital replica of a project that is, a bridge, building, city block, highway, commercial properties, and so many different things. Digital twins are also known as virtual models and data twins.
Use of Digital Twin in construction
The creation of digital twins happens with a blend of real-life building data and structural information. Different tools and technologies are used to bring the data together as 3D scanners, cameras, sensors, drones, etc.
The twins are formed with the help of AI and IoT. Through this, the information is automatically updated so any changes or adjustments to the real structure are immediately portrayed in the virtual model as well. The information regarding the physical features is also presented in the model like the shape, motion, position, or any other properties related to the object. It also presents details of the updates, and statuses including the stress loads because of wind and traffic and similar factors.
How does Digital Twin work?
The utilization of digital twins for different purposes differs. A correctly created digital twin is operationally sound, foresees any errors, and informs accordingly by detecting the real scenarios of the environment. It integrates the building system, utility meter, and sensor with the data with the digitally created models.
If we take an example of a wind turbine, there are many sensors associated with its characteristics. The sensors give rise to data as per the performance of the object. This data consists of factors like temperature, weather conditions, and energy output. The information is further used in the digital replica.
These data form the base of the digital twin. According to this data, simulations are run, performance issues are studied and different improvement plans are made.
The use of digital twin in construction practices helps with accurate building analysis. It improves the specifications of BIM- Building Information modeling. With a digital twin in the scene, the stakeholders possess the ability to visualize the real-time progress and scenarios from the site and also view the position of the physical objects.
It enables the project managers and owners to reconstruct the actual structure in a digital space to view it in the most precise form. The stakeholders can use the twin to experiment with the changes and decide on certain areas that would go into the actual building construction. This helps in making an informed decision on the various aspects before the final execution.
The Digital Twin paradigm
For a construction project, it is very important to control and manage the assets through different phases of the project. It is possible due to the intervention of high-level technological aspects. Even with simple BIM, the scope of such technical up gradation is huge but for the digital twins’ paradigm, the levels of accuracy and detailing are way higher. This starts from small assets that are fabricated, buildings, and cities, to huge national twins.
The digital twin is known for achieving the nearest possible result for the real-world physical asset. The creation of such twins is based on a few components merged, taken from the real environment. These elements include,
- The Physical elements
- The Virtual models
- The Data binds both physical and virtual
Types of Digital Twins
There are different types of digital twins for different purposes, based on various specifications. Usability is the major differential point among these twins. A single project process may have one or more than one type of digital twin depending on its requirement. Below are the types of digital twins:
Component/Parts Twins
The most basic kind of twins used in the majority of the project is these component twins. It can be considered the smallest part of the component.
Asset Twins
The combination of two or more components working together as a single form leads to an asset twin. It allows an interactive study of the various components.
Unit Twins
Here various assets are combined to give rise to a whole functional system. That is why these unit twins are also called system twins. It enables the viewing of the interaction between assets perfectly.
Process Twins
These twins are a type of twins that is believed to produce the maximum amount of efficiency in the project. It showcases the overall system functions created for a production facility. Through these one can get an idea of whether the whole system is synchronized or not, or if any latency or delay there.
Also, there is another basis for segregating the types of twins based on the informative capacity of each. As per that the digital twins can be categorized as:
- Descriptive Twin
- Predictive Twin
- Comprehensive Twin
- Autonomous Twin
Digital Twin benefits for AEC firms
The benefits of having digital twins can be multi-dimensional. For different stakeholders, it can benefit in different ways. It has numerous benefits when used in an effective manner. It gives information on traffic patterns, space usage, usage behaviors, and so many other factors. The twins answer many questions pertaining to design alterations, security facilities, and weather-related functions.
When talking about the AEC (architectural, construction, and engineering) industry, digital twins are extremely useful. It shortens the length of communication and passes over the gap between the function and manner. When a building blueprint is there, it is just planned measurements without any actual details. These are not very useful for gauging different aspects of the building. On paper, components lack accuracy and requisite information. In the case of digital twins, these areas are covered aptly.
The digital twin is there right from the start of a construction project till the end of it. It forms a channel from the design phase to the management of the constructed building or any other project. The connectivity with IWMS i.e integrated workplace management systems helps in asset management for the digital twin.
The following benefits of digital twins make them more functional and usable for the owners and managers of the projects:
- Increase in research and development capability: Digital twins are great for performance analysis. The insight into the data produced by the twin helps in effective R&D. The data presents the reachable outcomes in a reliable form. Many companies can use this for product improvement before the final production.
- Better efficiency: Digital twins are great for monitoring purposes. It helps in developing as well as maintaining efficiency during the manufacturing procedure.
- Resource management: Digital twin forms a connection between the site and the model space. This gives away lots of information to the stakeholders regarding data delivery, which helps in cutting down on labor costs and decreasing expenses in many areas. Hence, the work is done more efficiently.
- Information exchange: With digital twins, the information exchange becomes too smooth. The 3D BIM models are automatically updated. It eases the process of communication between team members and the exchange of ideas becomes easiest.
- Helps in optimizing projects: The digital twin supports the ongoing changes and impacts its operations largely. It provides valuable instruction at every stage and thus helps in optimizing the project data for future reference. This is why it is also beneficial for the lifecycle management of the construction project.
The benefits of digital twins don’t end when the initial construction is complete. They continue to offer smart solutions for everyday asset use.
Digital Twin Market and Industries
The concept of the digital twin might be new for a lot of industries. As its use does not certify for every kind of product need, its usability is always doubted. Every project does not require a virtual replica, this can even complicate the easy stuff to some extent. Also, there are legit financial reasons not to include digital twins in the works. Investing in the resources in the creation of a digital twin might not be as valuable as it sounds for all kinds of projects.
While many projects actually receive the benefits of digital twins, such as
- Automobiles, aircraft, or any other mechanically complex projects. With digital replicas, the efficiency of such complex machines is eased.
- Large-scale building projects, bridges, and complex structural formations have strict engineering standards.
- Power pieces of equipment and tools are used for power generation and transmission.
- Manufacturing and construction projects
Due to these reasons, there are certain sectors that have been using this technology the most in the last few years. This includes building construction, automobile manufacturing, manufacturing, power utilities, aircraft production, etc.
It can be witnessed that with the technological growth in all kinds of industries has resulted in more usage of the digital twin market in the past years. This industry is continuously growing at a quick rate. This market for digital twins was valued at over USD 3 billion. This was a very sharp rise from the early and mid-2000s. Thus, industry experts believe that in the next few years, this industry would reach over the USD 40 billion mark easily.
How is BIM used for Digital Twin?
A digital twin is often considered an extension of the BIM technique. With BIM the data is integrated throughout the planning and designing stage. The captured data is then extended through the twins for operational functions. It helps in a more informative outcome of the planning which can be helpful for the future references of the project as well. BIM enables the development of a wholesome and valuable digital twin with utmost accuracy. The data produced can be used across various workflows and project systems.
Applications
- Power generation: Jet engines, power turbines, locomotive engines, etc. uses digital twin technology for keeping their maintenance in a systematic order.
- Structural systems: Huge physical structures like any building construction. These projects can be improved with a high-end design at the initial stage. And for that digital twins do play a significant role.
- Manufacturing works: Digital twins guide in the proper manufacturing of elements and helps it reach the final stage from the basic designs.
- Automotive industry: The functional parts of any automobile can easily be replicated through the creation of digital twins. It can improve the vehicle’s performance and also help in maintenance.
- Urban planning: The 3D and 4D BIM model views presented through digital twins are extremely useful for engineers. It represents the real scenario of space following its environment.
Digital Twins vs Simulations
For both digital twins and simulations use digital models in order to create replications of different processes or systems associated with them. A digital twin in its most basic sense is a virtual or digital environment for the replica to be presented. Scalability is the major difference between a digital twin and a simulation. A simulation works on a singular or independent process whereas a twin runs numerous simulations for multi processes. Digital twins are chiefly based on real-time data for which the information comes in through sensors that provide the data. The information retrieved is then shared with the source. But for simulations, real-time data doesn’t play any role.
In the case of the AEC sector, the digital twin is a built asset. For instance, a building and its digital twin. After the design and construction are completed, a digital model of the same is created. The created model is a twin of the actual building. A simulation is a static one but when it comes to a digital twin, it is dynamic. Whatever changes happen to the final building, the changes become a part of the twin as well. This does not happen with simulations.
Future of Digital Twins
With urban modeling and modern planning, the use of digital twin is more now. It up levels the BIM effectiveness. The models are used for storing, tracking, viewing, and whatnot. From start to end, digital twins are the future of many industries.
The way operational models are used to function is changing with the passing of time. With the digital revolution happening, asset-based industries are changing gradually. The requirement for physical features with digital views is ever-rising for equipment, facilities, and assets. And in this, digital twins play an important role.
That is why it is safe to say that the future holds tremendous opportunities for digital twins to thrive in the market. With constant upgrades in skills and capacities, the twins would continuously help its users grow and heighten the level of performance and efficiencies in their processes.
