Key Takeaways

• Digital twins are essential tools in construction management, enhancing public engagement and design accuracy.
• They allow stakeholders to visualize projects and assess complex infrastructure changes effectively.
• Benefits extend beyond construction, aiding in ongoing maintenance and performance monitoring.

The Role of Digital Twins in Modern Construction

Digital twins have been integrated into construction management for about ten years, yet many project leaders may not fully grasp their multifunctional capabilities. Bibhuti Aryal, a senior director at Bentley Systems, highlighted their application in large transportation projects during an interview with Smart Cities Dive. These models are valuable not only for engineering but also for engaging the public and local leaders throughout the project lifecycle.

One striking example is a project in Fredericksburg, Virginia, aimed at alleviating heavy traffic on Interstate 95. The project, which involves significant infrastructure changes, including the addition of lanes and bridge renovations, called for a digital twin to help stakeholders visualize the plan. Aryal noted that “a visual representation of what’s happening is easy for everybody to understand,” facilitating communication between government entities and the public who would be affected.

Moreover, digital twins help minimize design errors by integrating critical geographic, topographic, and subsurface data. This comprehensive context enables planners to make informed decisions, reducing potential construction delays and cost overruns. For instance, the New York State Department of Transportation utilized a digital twin design for the replacement of the East 138th Street Bridge in the Bronx. This aging structure, which serves over 150,000 vehicles daily, presented a multitude of challenges, including traffic management and utility relocation. The digital model allowed input from over 180 reviewers across 15 agencies, streamlining feedback and facilitating a smoother project execution.

Another advantage of digital twins is their capacity to centralize data collection and ongoing monitoring. Aryal emphasized that infrastructure acts as a “living organism,” and as such, digital twins should extend beyond the construction phase. Sensor data and information gleaned from on-site inspections can continuously feed into these models, enhancing understanding and management of infrastructure performance over time.

For those new to digital twins, Aryal recommends starting with smaller projects to comprehend data requirements and governance strategies effectively. However, he also acknowledges that the significant value of digital twins is realized on larger megaprojects, where their capabilities can be fully harnessed to benefit complex engineering initiatives.

Overall, the deployment of digital twins in infrastructure projects signifies a transformative step in construction management, promising greater efficiency, enhanced stakeholder involvement, and improved long-term asset management.

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