Modern construction companies have many options for optimizing worksites and upcoming projects. Technologies like digital twins can help expedite projects and prevent delays while providing concise, accurate data and plans for a cohesive design and construction process.
If you’re new to the world of digital surveying and digital twin applications, you may be unsure exactly how to implement this technology into your construction projects. Below, we’ll break down when and how a digital twin can be used in construction with our team at Planit Engineering.
What Is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual representation or model of a physical structure that uses 3D modelling, data, and simulations to capture every minor detail. These digital replicas allow you to visualize the final product of your construction project before you even break ground, allowing you to optimize each step of the construction process, from initial planning to post-build maintenance.
When To Implement a Digital Twin into Your Construction Project
Traditional drawings and scans have their place in construction, but there are many situations where a digital twin can be a more effective tool for the scope of a project. Here are a few examples of situations where a digital twin can be an asset:
Planning and design: Digital twin simulations enable virtual prototyping pre-construction. After collecting necessary data from architectural and engineering models, you can assess clash detection and design feasibility to catch any potential flaws in your current design. You can visualize the final product in 3D.
Construction: Your model will track construction progress in real time via IoT sensors, drones, and data from your subcontractors. This enables you to more accurately track your build status and stay in-line with project timelines.
Operation and management: Once a building is complete, you can use your construction digital twin model as an as-built digital record. Facility managers can use this model to run predictive maintenance analyses, track and optimize energy consumption, and perform other facility operations and maintenance tasks.
Renovations and retrofits: If you’re undertaking a building renovation, you can use a digital twin to model renovation stages, create virtual prototypes, and catch any potential design flaws or inconsistencies.
How Your Project Can Benefit
It’s clear that digital twins can be an effective resource for construction companies and feature both short and long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved in the project. Some of these advantages include:
- Enhanced visualization to gain a deeper understanding of design plans and identify any potential structural or design clashes before work begins
- Better collaboration between construction, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other contractors, ensuring a cohesive design that considers how each trade will be implemented into the building’s final product
- Your digital twin’s IoT sensor data enables real-time tracking, allowing all members of your team to monitor the construction’s progress without needing to be on-site at all times.
- Increased safety during the construction process via remote virtual inspections and more accurate data and measurements for hazardous areas
Whether you’re undertaking a large commercial construction project or working at a smaller scale, utilizing digital twin technology in your upcoming project can provide your team with more accurate data, enhanced safety, and increased efficiency during each construction phase.
Partner with Planit Engineering for Digital Surveys, Digital Twin, and More
If you’re ready to step into the digital twin sphere, make the move with Planit Engineering. Leveraging the technology and strategy of our Hyper-Intelligent Building Model ™, we can help your AEC firm optimize current and future building projects.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
