The Use of Digital Twin in the Building Industry 3 of 3

Gaps observed by the above authors

The gaps that Tuhaise et al. (2023) found were discussed under the challenges and opportunities heading above. Also, organisational aspects of DT applications were needed. According to Yoon (2023), DT “ modelling has not yet been systematically discussed in the building sector” and that is the reason for proposing “a novel framework and methodology for building” DT “over the life cycle of a building” (Yoon 2023). Also, Yoon (2023), discussed future research

directions with the aim of realizing building digitalization. The review by  Opoku et al. (2023) reports there more research is required relating to DT in applications in the project’s demolition and recovery phase. Having identified thirty barriers, they believe  “empirical investigations into the benefits of DT’’ to the construction industry should be conducted (Opoku et al. 2023). The review by Elyasi et al. (2023) confirmed there is a gap between the theory of utilising DT and its application in practice in the AEC sector. There is a need for the analysis of 1) how the classifications affect DT practical implementation, 2) each challenge or barrier of DT implementation in the FM, 3) research to improve the understanding of DT use in FM, and the relationship between DT digital transformation concepts. The review by  Omrany et al. (2023) found the exploration of semantic data modelling and ontologies are required. The review by Xie et al. 2023 claims the gaps are reviews on 1) DT patents, 2) uncertainty as to how DT transforms the construction industry, 3) data accuracy, and 4) machine learning methods for intelligent computing system models. ( Elyasi et al. 2023, Omrany et al. 2023, Opoku et al. 2023, Tuhaise et al. 2023, Yoon 2023)

Conclusions of the above authors

Despite the construction industry DT being in its nascent phase, there is potential to improve the construction industry’s productivity and performance with its features. More research on the organisational aspects of DT applications was recommended. The limits of the Tuhaise et al. (2023) study were the research from using the seven keywords in the databases of  Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar.

The extent of the application of DT in the “construction industry is still low given the low volume of publications” (Madubuike et al. 2022). There are many benefits to the construction industry by utilising DT.

In the 2023 study, Yoon “defined building digital twinning (BDT) as a continuous process for constructing, extending, verifying, and calibrating data, information, and models (DIM) toward a holistic and omniscient environment with full physics, states, and behaviours for the target buildings using enabling techniques over the life cycle”.

The 2023 study by Opoku et al. confirms a DT model can be developed and updated continuously “to predict the current and future states of the physical” entity and it provides an “industry-specific lens” for the barriers that are hindering the adoption of DT in the construction industry (Opoku et al. 2023). The research into the adoption of DT is spearheaded by countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and China. Also, to a limited degree Algeria, Australia, and Greece.  Essentially construction industry stakeholders can use the Opoku study to develop a strategy to overcome the barriers. (Opoku et al. 2023).

The 2023 study by Elyasi et al. found the maturity level of DT in FM is low! The main barrier is to do with culture and people, then conservative organisational structure with resistance to change. Changing organisational structure requires an approach that would be an integrated type. In the use stage of a building, implementation of DT has not been utilised to its maximum potential. The use of DT  is an emerging field, with potential change in the coming years. (Elyasi et al. 2023)

Despite construction complexity, the challenges identified by Omrany et al. (2023) as 1) data integration and interoperability, 2) data accuracy and completeness, 3) scalability and complexity, 4) privacy and security, and 5) standards and governance can be addressed. Addressing those involves 1) promoting seamless collaboration and data exchange among the stakeholders and different software systems, 2) advancing data integration and interoperability, with a potential run-up to the enhancement of DT data standardisation, 3) ensuring data accuracy and completeness in DTs, 4) the tackling of privacy and security concerns, 5) facilitate consistency, interoperability, and long-term success in the adoption and utilisation of DTs. They recommended 1) prioritise standardized data formats, protocols, and APIs, 2) exploring semantic data modelling and ontologies, 3) implement validation processes, data quality control mechanisms, and vigorous data governance practices, 4) harness high-performance computing capabilities, utilise efficient data storage and processing mechanisms, and using advanced modelling techniques, 5) establishment of comprehensive data protection protocols, access controls, authentication procedures, encryption mechanisms, and user permissions, 6) develop a set of widely accepted standards and governance frameworks with the cooperation of the whole industry. (Omrany et al. 2023)

Despite their excellent CDT framework in the 2023 review by Esmaeili, they decided the three barriers they identified warranted more investigation. Also, free, open-source, and off-the-shelf digital solutions are required to reduce CDT costs. Future development of CDT needs Application Programming Interface supported software solutions, cloud computing, common formats, and open standards. (Esmaeili et al. 2023)

The manufacture of construction materials and components is leading the use of DT in the construction industry. The Xie et al. (2023) review identified DT-MT i.e. DT and modern technology.  The construction industry needs increasing research and investment in DT – MT. (Xie et al. 2023)

DISCUSSION

The author found abundant current appropriate literature in Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct via the CQU library database by leading thinkers. Clearly, DT is a tool that is powerful in harnessing dynamic computer technology. The plethora of existing and emerging technologies in relation to DT systems leads to as in other sectors development, change, and improvement. A DT model can be developed and updated continuously to forecast the current and future states of a physical entity. We have CDT and DT-MT.  (Madubuike et al. 2022, Opoku et al. 2023)

Having found the above implementations there must be others in use somewhere in the world waiting to be documented in a review. Since the most common standard for BIM is the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) format and, the IFC has not been directly developed to implement DT, perhaps someone will invent an updated version or in fact a better version to enable the adoption of DT in the facilities management sector. (Elyasi et al. 2023)

According to Elyasi et al. (2023) the benefits of DT use in the building industry is summarized as, “real- time data gathering and monitoring, a more effective decision-making process and improved predictive maintenance” (Elyasi et al. 2023).

Regarding the barriers to DT use in the building industry, there are similarities between the reviewers. Perhaps the best-summarized version was by Omrany et al. 2023 being-

• Data-related barriers-

Data integration & interoperability, Data accuracy & completeness, Privacy & Security

• Modelling related barriers-,

Scalability & complexity, Conceptual models & physical entities

• Standards related barriers-

Criteria & Guidelines, Programs & governance.

However, resistance to change and monetary cost must be specifically added to that list. In the data acquisition layer, a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) equipped with a LiDAR scanner  was quoted as being used. Researching on the internet for the cost of a LiDAR scanner, $24.16  was the cheapest and sounds inadequate but the dearest was $300K.

The reviewers promoted semantic data modelling and ontologies to overcome the barriers. A semantic model is a metadata model presenting data for analysis to suit the requirements of a business. An ontology ensures understanding of information, making assumptions by a formal description of knowledge.

The review by Esmaeili et al. 2023 brought to the fore “Industry 4.0” being the short name for the fourth industrial revolution which is being shaped by CPS i.e. intelligent computers.

They proposed a structured framework for CDT as shown in figure 2. When considering the barriers as described earlier in the results, but especially resistance to change and cost, one would have to decide how to convince different stakeholders to use CDT. CDT, DT-MT, what next?

One of the technologies used in the data/model integration layer was Amazon Web service (AWS) DynamoDB. AWS is a subsidiary of that powerhouse Amazon. Their comprehensive 200 million services comprise the provision of on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to businesses, companies, individuals, largest enterprises, and government agencies on a metered pay-as-you-go basis. The potential of dynamic computer technology and DT seems endless. However, the services would not be cheap.

Finding solutions for the barriers seems achievable by humankind. The expensive cost of CPS, AI, and DT is another matter that may not change.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The aim of the literature review was to analyse the use of DT in the so-called construction or building industry, identifying the benefits, challenges, and opportunities.  The prediction of M. Grieves that the future of DT will marry in with AI came true. The author had no idea as to the existing dynamic Industry 4.0 technologies and the IoT utilised in DT until the review was researched. It is truly mind-boggling. In the last two decades, there have been technological advancements.  As reported, the different reviewers identified there is huge untapped potential with the adoption of DT in the building industry that serves to improve decision-making. (Elyasi et al. 2023)

DTs in construction improve the analytical capabilities of BIM and the real-time status for stakeholders, and project teams by digital experimentation of expected outcomes before they make a change to the structure. The benefits of DT are clearly listed in Table 2.  Trimble Inc. provided another slant on the basic benefits of DT in construction being 1) resource management, 2) connectivity, 3) value-added assets for clients, 4) facility management, and 5) ongoing improved efficiencies. (Trimble 2023)

Although big data storage technologies are required for DT production, due to multi-source and high-volume features, the reality is the use of DT will be altered/ perfected with dynamic emerging technologies and possibly will increase over a short time. (Tuhaise et al. 2023)

The most comprehensive study on barriers was the one by Opoku et al. (2023). They identified and listed thirty ranked barriers and offered further classification with categorisation. However, Omrany et al (2023) provided a summarized slant of the barriers that can be addressed as 1) data integration and interoperability, 2) data accuracy and completeness, 3) scalability and complexity, 4) privacy and security, and 5) standards and governance. They recommended a pathway of six ways to overcome the barriers. Without a doubt, some clever humans and their computers will overcome those barriers. ( Omrany et al. 2023)

The study identified DT-MT i.e. DT and modern technology. In our modern world, technology is forever developing and advancing. In fact, for example, Omrany et al. (2023) stated DTs are not flawless, there are ‘changes in the physical environment’ and in ‘its constituent elements’ and there is an adaptability with a degree of adaptability enabling improvement over time. There are industry professionals and researchers pursuing an integrated industry-level DT system. The new paradigm is DT construction (DTC). A challenge would be to produce the BDT proposed by Yoon.  The Xie et al. (2023) review provides an extensive list entitled ‘Research and Practical Application of Digital Twin Construction and Intelligent Building’ which relates to the different stages of construction.  Someone or a group of people or a country may develop Industry 5.0, or computer internet technology that can be adapted to facilitate DT in the construction industry further than it is now and for the better. The governing factor would be monetary cost.  (Omrany et al.2023, Xie et al. 2023)

In view of the dynamic nature of computer technology, the literature will need revision next year if not this year. Different reviewers suggested gaps in the literature that need to be researched. The reviewers suggested there needs to be a systematic discussion of DT in the building sector, theoretical use of DT, the uncertainty of DT, specific DT application in particular phases like demolition, organisational aspects, analysis of each barrier, digital transformation concepts, semantic data modelling and ontologies, DT patents, and machine learning methods for intelligent computing system models.  Another research can be conducted to see if the computer technologies and IoT which were reviewed in the results section already incorporate semantic modelling and ontologies.

The expensive cost of CPS, AI, and DT will have to be weighed up against the benefits and accepted by stakeholders.

The above is part of a university dissertation by the blog’s author with  references being as listed on The Use of Digital Twin in the Building Industry 1

Como Building P/L, Michael Como provides in SYDNEY, an NSW Building Regulations Consultancy service that comprises, Interpretation of NSW legislation relevant to the construction of Class 1 and 10; Issuing: Complying Development Certificates (CDC), Construction Certificates (CC) [after a local council has approved a development], Occupation certificates (OC), Compliance Certificates, NCC Building Code Australia Reports. Engagement for the certification work is on a contract basis.

Also, a pre-purchase property inspection or building inspection by Michael Como may empower you with knowledge about the condition of a property currently or before you buy it and help you avoid future problems and unexpected costs. However, this service can only be conducted if the insurer is on-side, and currently, they are not and as a result, we do not conduct it.

Michael Como is Your Custom Home Builder in Sydney with over 46 years of construction experience, a Master Craftsman sharing innovative Restoration/renovation Ideas. Licensed since 1988. At this stage, I will only carry out building work at a contracted agreed hourly rate.

Let your imagination soar as you enjoy Building Green Homes or Straw houses or Hemp Homes or Heritage Style Restoration or Bathroom renovations or UHR or Digital twin or Sealing…. Etc.

 

Paste the following URLs in your search engine:

https://privateBuildingCertifiersSydney.com/

como-private-building-certifiers