The Post-Occupancy Digital Twin

Abstract

Through the application of building information modelling (BIM), the construction industry can now develop digital representations of physical assets. By combining BIM with digital technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), an opportunity is created to link real-time data to digital representations, resulting in the creation of digital twins (DT). A major aspect in the creation of DT involves the ongoing relationship between physical and digital versions of assets through interlinked sensors, generating an opportunity to analyse the performance of the asset and its occupants. The aim of this report was to further understand the effects of implementing these technologies, resulting in the digitalisation of the construction industry. A literature review was undertaken, along with a focused interview questionnaire and an online survey. Results showed that although there was an awareness of the importance of BIM and digital technology within the construction industry, the number of projects implementing these technologies and procedures were low.