10 min read

Digital twin in construction: benefits, challenges & real-world examples

AI & ML

Cloud

IoT

Trends

Digital twin technology, crafting a virtual mirror of the tangible environment and objects, is emerging as a game-changing factor setting companies apart within the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector.

Forrester Research highlights a positive trend, revealing that 55% of global software technology decision-makers are actively integrating digital twins into their processes. These constructive implementations extend from the early stages of design to the ongoing aspects of maintenance, showcasing the broad applicability and positive impact of this innovative technology.

As for the AEC sector, medium and large players also find the digital twin technology extremely useful as it helps solve various industry-specific challenges, including cost optimization, safety, thorough planning, and more.

In this blog article, we reveal the essence of the digital twin technology in construction, provide real-world examples, and discuss future trends.

What is a digital twin in construction?

The advantages of integrating digital twin technology into the construction sector have been obvious since its inception. Thus, it is not surprising that businesses do not ignore this advanced technology so as not to miss the opportunity to optimize resources, speed up the planning stage, eliminate employee safety risks, etc.

Within construction projects, digital twins are accurate virtual reproductions of real-world spaces, objects, buildings, and infrastructure facilities. These dynamic digital models empower construction teams to virtually explore and engage with the physical property during the initial design and planning phases, fostering a more interactive and efficient project development process.

To generate accurate digital twins, software engineers, and construction professionals leverage the following advanced technologies:

IoT

Sensors and IoT devices systematically gather real-world data from the physical objects and environments, providing the basis for the digital representation.

AI and ML

These technologies involve the processing and analysis of the collected data to derive meaningful insights, facilitating informed decision-making.

XR

With extended reality technologies (AR&VR&MR), engineers create virtual replicas of physical entities, allowing for simulations to enhance prject planning.

Cloud

The digital twin relies on cloud computing for secure data storage. Cloud services enable the seamless access and management of vast amounts of data.

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Digital twin in construction: market statistics

$55bn

is the anticipated digital twin market size by 2028

$2.3bn

is the estimated digital twin market size in construction in 2023

17%

the CAGR for the digital twin market in construction (2023-2028)

How digital twins work

Data integration and replication

At the core of digital twins is the seamless integration and replication of real-world data. This process involves collecting and aggregating data from physical assets or systems in real time. Sensors, IoT devices, and other data sources play a crucial role in capturing information about the state, performance, and behavior of the physical counterpart.

Once collected, this data is then replicated in a virtual environment, creating a mirror image of the physical asset. The virtual counterpart, known as the digital twin, mirrors the physical system’s attributes, enabling a comprehensive understanding of its current state.

Simulation and analysis

Digital twins incorporate advanced simulation and analysis capabilities. By leveraging sophisticated algorithms and modeling techniques, digital twins simulate the behavior and interactions of their physical counterparts. This enables stakeholders to gain insights into potential scenarios, evaluate performance under different conditions, and predict future outcomes.

Through simulation and analysis, the construction team can perform “what-if” scenarios to identify potential challenges and optimize the construction timeline. For instance, the team can simulate the impact of adverse weather conditions on the construction schedule.

Continuous synchronization and feedback

One of the key features and strengths of digital twin technology in construction is continuous synchronization and feedback. By maintaining continuous synchronization with their physical counterparts, digital twins enable a dynamic and responsive relationship between the virtual and physical environments. Real-time data feeds from sensors and IoT devices ensure that the digital twin remains up-to-date, reflecting any changes or events occurring in the physical world.

Continuous synchronization enables the digital twin to provide accurate and timely feedback. This feedback loop is instrumental in improving decision-making, facilitating predictive maintenance, and enhancing overall project performance.

Benefits of the digital twin in construction

Digital twin technology is transforming the construction industry, acting as a catalyst for significant changes in project management and execution. The adoption of digital twins in construction brings multiple benefits that should not be ignored by competitive and innovative industry players.

Enhanced visualization

Digital twins provide an immersive and detailed visualization of construction projects. Through 3D models and real-time data integration, stakeholders gain a comprehensive view of the project at every stage. This enhanced visualization facilitates a better understanding of the construction site, aiding in design reviews, identifying potential issues, and enabling more informed decision-making.

Improved collaboration

Collaboration is streamlined with digital twins, as they provide a shared platform for all stakeholders involved in the construction process. Architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers can collaborate in a virtual environment, fostering better communication and coordination. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is working with the same set of data, which reduces errors and enhances project efficiency.

Real-time monitoring

Digital twins enable real-time monitoring of construction activities. Sensors and IoT devices integrated into the construction site continuously feed data to the digital twin, offering up-to-the-minute insights into progress, resource utilization, and potential issues. Real-time monitoring empowers project managers to make proactive decisions, address challenges promptly, and keep the project on schedule.

Cost optimization

Digital twins play a crucial role in optimizing construction costs. Through data-driven insights, stakeholders can identify areas for cost reduction, streamline workflows, and minimize resource wastage. The ability to simulate different scenarios allows for better budget planning, reducing the likelihood of cost overruns and ensuring that construction projects remain financially viable.

Enhanced safety

The digital twin technology in construction elevates safety measures to new heights. Through the real-time monitoring of data on the construction site, encompassing worker movements and environmental conditions, digital twins excel in identifying potential safety risks. These advanced systems are equipped to trigger alerts and notifications, enabling immediate intervention to prevent accidents.

Predictive maintenance

Digital twins facilitate predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring the condition of construction equipment and infrastructure. By analyzing real-time data, the digital twin can predict when equipment is likely to require maintenance, helping to prevent breakdowns and minimize downtime. This proactive approach extends the lifespan of machinery, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures the smooth progress of construction activities.

Enhanced visualization

Improved collaboration

Real-time monitoring

Cost optimization

Enhanced safety

Predictive maintenance

“Digital twin technology is not a fancy tool for the chosen ones. In my professional judgment, it’s a strategic imperative for the construction industry. In the industry where precision, efficiency, and safety are paramount, digital twins stand as the backbone of modern construction project success. This technology is all about enhancing the way you plan projects, optimize processes, ensure a secure working environment, and more. No doubt digital twins are the practical solution that keeps our construction projects running smoother and smarter.”

Alina Filatova

Head of BA Department at Innowise

Real-life examples of digital twins in construction

The iconic structure of The Shard in London serves as a compelling example of the enduring impact of digital twin technology on construction projects. During the design phase, intricate architectural designs and comprehensive structural simulations were seamlessly merged into the building's digital twin. Beyond the construction phase, this digital twin continued to be a key asset, playing a vital role in monitoring the building's ongoing performance, with a specific focus on energy efficiency and structural integrity.

This comprehensive model reconstructs the entire city, providing a granular view, block by block and street by street. Equipped with sensors, drones, and other tools, this digital twin facilitates real-time data collection. Beyond its technical prowess, Singapore's digital twin is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability efforts and addressing environmental concerns. For instance, the digital twin's building model data will be instrumental in strategically planning the locations for solar panels, aligning with Singapore's commitment to deploying at least two gigawatt-peak solar energy by 2030.

A noteworthy example showcasing the efficacy of digital twin technology in construction endeavors is evident in the case of Heathrow Terminal 5. With a multitude of stakeholders involved, intricate designs, and a pressing timeline, the construction of the terminal posed significant challenges. Leveraging digital twin technology proved instrumental for the project team, providing a comprehensive overview of the construction progress.

The Shard

The iconic structure of The Shard in London serves as a compelling example of the enduring impact of digital twin technology on construction projects. During the design phase, intricate architectural designs and comprehensive structural simulations were seamlessly merged into the building’s digital twin. Beyond the construction phase, this digital twin continued to be a key asset, playing a vital role in monitoring the building’s ongoing performance, with a specific focus on energy efficiency and structural integrity.

Virtual Singapore

This comprehensive model reconstructs the entire city, providing a granular view, block by block and street by street. Equipped with sensors, drones, and other tools, this digital twin facilitates real-time data collection. Beyond its technical prowess, Singapore’s digital twin is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability efforts and addressing environmental concerns. For instance, the digital twin’s building model data will be instrumental in strategically planning the locations for solar panels, aligning with Singapore’s commitment to deploying at least two gigawatt-peak solar energy by 2030.

Heathrow Airport Terminal 5

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Digital twins in construction: future trends

Digital twin technology in construction is evolving rapidly and is poised for transformative advancements. As we look ahead, several trends promise to be crucial for the construction industry and market players.

AI-powered predictions

AI algorithms, fueled by extensive datasets, enable precise forecasts of potential challenges, resource needs, and project timelines. This infusion of AI-driven predictions empowers construction teams to proactively mitigate risks, optimize planning, and ensure successful project outcomes.

IoT expansion

As IoT devices become more sophisticated, their integration into the digital twin ecosystem expands. This augmentation enhances real-time data acquisition, providing a dynamic and accurate portrayal of equipment status, material conditions, and environmental factors on the construction site.

Smart cities integration

Digital twins are becoming integral components of broader smart city initiatives, influencing urban development on a comprehensive scale. The interconnectivity of digital twins across diverse construction projects within a city fosters holistic monitoring and management. This integration contributes to the synergy between urban infrastructure elements, optimizing resource utilization, promoting sustainability, and cultivating intelligent urban ecosystems.

Improved interoperability

A key future trend for digital twin technology in construction lies in enhanced interoperability. The construction industry is set to witness improved compatibility among different platforms and software solutions. This development ensures seamless collaboration among various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers. The result is a more integrated, collaborative, and efficient approach throughout the construction lifecycle.

FAQ

What is a digital twin in construction?

A digital twin is a virtual representation of a building that utilizes drones, sensors, robots, and other technologies to gather real-world data. This continuous link between the physical and digital models is regularly updated, offering meaningful visual insights into the project’s performance.

How does a digital twin benefit construction projects?

Employing digital twins in construction projects facilitates enhanced efficiency for construction firms. By seamlessly integrating digital and physical models, these counterparts simulate the authentic construction environment, resulting in significant reductions in both time and costs associated with project engineering.

What are the challenges of implementing digital twins in construction?

Integrating digital twin technology with existing systems poses a substantial challenge, demanding considerable efforts from developers and users alike. While this process can be time-consuming and costly, it is indispensable for successful deployment. Moreover, a conducive environment supporting data-driven practices like analytics and machine learning is crucial for reaping the full benefits of digital twins in construction, such as enhanced operational efficiency, cost savings, and improved decision-making capabilities.

What are the future trends in digital twins for construction?

The future trends in digital twins for construction include AI-powered predictions, IoT expansion, smart cities integration, and improved interoperability. These advancements aim to enhance project management, optimize resource utilization, and foster collaborative efficiency throughout the construction lifecycle.

How can construction companies get started with digital twins?

Just drop us a line! Our experts are dedicated to seamlessly integrating digital twins into the operations of construction companies, providing a comprehensive strategy to simplify the implementation process. Drawing on our extensive knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, we deliver personalized solutions encompassing data acquisition, 3D modeling, and real-time analytics. Innowise’s proficiency goes beyond optimizing construction workflows, improving collaboration among project stakeholders, and guaranteeing the effective adoption of digital twin technologies. By choosing Innowise as a partner, construction companies can leverage digital twins to enhance project efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in the rapidly changing construction industry.

Dmitry Nazarevich CTO

Date: Feb 8, 2024

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