One of the biggest challenges in planning and managing a built asset is getting your hands on real-time data about the said asset. Without accurate and updated information, decision-making is more difficult, and teams end up being reactive rather than proactive.
Digital twins can help you overcome these hurdles by creating a virtual replica of a built asset that’s enriched with real-time information on everything from building performance to maintenance needs.
But what exactly is a digital twin, and how does it work? Also, what's the difference between a digital twin and a BIM model?
To help demystify this technology and its practical applications, we made the topic of digital twins a key focus in The Big Room—an online community that gives construction pros a forum where they can ask questions, participate in meaningful discussions, and network with others.
The Big Room also provides opportunities for virtual and in-person meetups; in fact, this conversation we are going over today was a continuation of a virtual meetup.
Members of The Big Room are constantly exploring game-changing tools and tech (like digital twins) to stay ahead of trends and ensure they're equipped to tackle the industry's most pressing challenges.
If you'd like to be part of these conversations, check out the Big Room and sign up. All AEC pros are welcome to join!
Several construction pros weighed in on the fundamentals of digital twins and what they're for. Everyone agrees that a digital twin is a virtual replica of a built asset. That said, other members pointed out additional capabilities of digital twins—including surfacing real-time data and enriching BIM models.
“I believe a Digital Twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset that enables real-time tracking (through IoT & Sensors), analysis (through predictive analytics) and through inputs into the digital world it results in changes to the physical world.” - Steven Bloomer, Regional BIM Lead at GHD
"I'm fairly new to the subject, but a digital twin seems to be procured data—including the model—that is a replica of active systems for the facility." - Derek Wilfong, Sr. VDC Coordinator at Lease Crutcher Lewis
"One of the best definitions can be found in the Gemini Principles Publication: A digital twin is a realistic digital representation of assets, processes, or systems in the built or natural environment. What distinguishes a digital twin from any other digital model is its connection to the physical twin. Based on data from the physical asset or system, a digital twin unlocks value by supporting improved decision making, which creates the opportunity for positive feedback into the physical twin." - Mostafa Elashmawy, Principal Implementation Consultant at Autodesk
"I think it's hard to think in a BIM model of the design phase being a digital twin; there's a lot of changes happening in the construction and operation phase. However, it's a good starting point. As for widespread adoption, I think the industry needs to be more mature in BIM use and standards, but digital twins will be useful in the future. " - Juan Yusta, Technical Sales Specialist at Sonda
When asked about the benefits of digital twins, members of The Big Room pointed out that the ability to track real-time data is the key advantage that stands out the most.
"The idea of having a virtual/digital to physical twin is astounding. Digital twins pave the way for real-time tracking and it enables teams to catalog the data and apply it to future spaces and projects." - Mike Weber, Assistant Project Manager at Cornerstone Contracting Inc
"A digital twin mirrors the physical asset's behavior and performance, which then enables better decision-making and optimization."- Amit Nikam, Post Graduate Management Trainee at Shapoorji Pallonji
As with any new tool or technology, implementation can be a challenge. Teams looking to adopt digital twins face hurdles like data integration and scalability, as well as the lack of operator expertise.
"As data volumes grow, finding enough storage space and ensuring systems can scale efficiently becomes difficult." - Pathan Irfan Khan, Project & Program Consultant at Arcadis
"Being able to manipulate the data or the associated information is critical. Things can change very late in the game during the design and procurement of equipment. That's why being agile with your data is key!" - Richard Chapman, Project Manager at Clark Pacific
"The challenge with ensuring a single source of truth is the first thing that comes to mind." - Mark Thomas, Design Engineer - Systems Integration Lead at Matrix-NDI
"Handling large amounts of operational data presents hurdles such as high storage and processing costs, real-time processing demands, data variety, and integration complexities. There's also the challenge of ensuring data quality and security while establishing effective data governance." - Prateek Chitnis, BIM Manager at Dennis Group
"Teams may have to deal with issues around keeping the digital twin up to date. They should also be wary of hard drive crashes that could lead to data loss." - Adam Nelson, Designer at BHB Engineers
"The operators seem to need to be vested early on for adoption." - Laurie Yaneff, BIM Technician at Stone Group Architects
"I think some of the challenges with managing and analyzing large volumes of operational data may be the owners and F&M teams not having the right experience or background." - Derek Wilfong, Sr. VDC Coordinator at Lease Crutcher Lewis
The Big Room is one of the few places where construction professionals can openly exchange ideas, learn from peers, and explore innovative construction tools like digital twins.
Whether you're looking for advice on your construction workflows and tech or want to share your experiences and contribute to discussions, this community is your go-to resource for meaningful industry connections and insights.
