Abstract
The notions of smart construction and smart or digital cities include many modern concepts that are advocated today, especially in countries with advanced economies, and depend on using information technology and the Internet of Things as a basis to automate processes and activate digital systems to manage activities and services related to the operation of buildings and urban structures. In light of the spread of digital technology and modern managerial approaches, the concept of a digital twin is being used on a large scale with the current trend and direction to digitalize activities providing many economic, social and technical advantages. A digital twin is a system in which a virtual representation of a real entity or physical system is used continuously by being fed with data and deriving outputs in the form of decisions and actions that are generated through the processes of machine learning, simulation, development and lifecycle management. This study aims to review the literature on construction project management through the lens of digital twins and ways to use them in the field to improve operational results. The authors propose a framework for analyzing and supervising the development of digital twins that uses three main stages: the commonly encountered Building Information Modeling (BIM); the existing monitoring and actuation digital twins; and an envisioned third stage that makes use of artificial intelligence, complex visualization instruments and advanced controls with the capability to exact change within a construction project on the building site.
Highlights
The concept of a “digital twin” refers to a model that uses technical and managerial processes that combine real and virtual environments to manage and process data and to control physical systems
A digital twin can be used in construction project management processes by providing its database with information and data through sensors that monitor the execution of work and the behavior of the commissioned facility after construction
The work presented here aims to link the results of exiting studies to obtain a clear vision of executive construction project management and support the development of a comprehensive digital system that employs digital twins to solve specific construction project issues, such as budget and timeframe overruns, worker safety and environmental impact
Summary
The concept of a “digital twin” refers to a model that uses technical and managerial processes that combine real and virtual environments to manage and process data and to control physical systems. A digital twin can be used in construction project management processes by providing its database with information and data through sensors that monitor the execution of work and the behavior of the commissioned facility after construction. In this way, the database provides the ability to compare the ideal situation to reality and the possibility to track the work through specific monitoring cycles and produce necessary reports and alerts for managers [3]. By obtaining an integrated digital support system for managing operations at construction sites that is based around a coherent vision, the authors expect to provide companies operating in the field with a deeper understanding of the gains they could experience by moving away from outdated management approaches
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.