In the evolving landscape of the UK’s construction industry, the introduction of digital twins marks a pivotal shift. This technological advancement offers a solution to the significant financial losses experienced due to poor data management, which, in 2020, amounted to an estimated £1.84 trillion globally. Digital twins, as highlighted by expert Sven Boesen, represent a practical approach to tackling these inefficiencies.

Understanding Digital Twins in Construction

This technology is essentially a sophisticated digital representation of a physical asset, created using data from various sensors. This technology mirrors the actual asset’s conditions, facilitating enhanced management and testing of various performance scenarios. One notable example in the UK is Tilbury Douglas, a leading construction firm, which has effectively incorporated digital twin technology right from the project initiation phase. Their innovative “Connect Configurator” tool allows clients to make informed decisions early on, leveraging real-time data on costs and other critical parameters.

What Are The Benefits?

Digital twins play a crucial role in mitigating common issues in the construction industry, such as inaccurate data and the need for repeated work. This problem is not confined to the UK; it is a global challenge. In the US, for instance, poor project data accounts for nearly half of all construction rework. The adoption of the technology in this context can significantly reduce such inefficiencies by providing accurate, real-time data and models throughout the project lifecycle. Here is an overview of the numerous advantages:

  • Increased efficiency: By providing real-time data on a project’s status, digital twins offer insights into potential issues that could arise, allowing for prompt course correction.
  • Enhanced collaboration: In complex construction projects, digital twins foster collaboration among different stakeholders by providing a shared, up-to-date view of the project’s progress.
  • Cost savings: The proactive nature of digital twin technology reduces unnecessary expenses resulting from delays or deviations from plan.
  • Improved sustainability: It can facilitate energy usage optimisation and waste reduction, helping companies meet their sustainability goals.

The Role of Digital Twins in the Future of Construction

The adoption of digital twins in construction is set to grow significantly over the next few years. As per GlobalData’s analysis, the digital twin market is experiencing significant growth across various sectors, including construction. The market, valued at $17.5 billion in 2023, is projected to expand to a remarkable $154.0 billion by 2030.

This growth reflects the increasing adoption and technological advancements in digital twin applications globally. With the rise of Industry 4.0, more construction companies are embracing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics – all essential components for digital twin technology.

The UK government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry, boosting demand for sustainable solutions like digital twins. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for remote work and collaboration, making digital twins an ideal solution for managing construction projects from a distance.

Case Studies: Global Applications of Digital Twins

Internationally, digital twins have demonstrated their value in various construction projects. In the United States, SHoP Architects utilised Unity Industry’s suite of real-time 3D products to enhance building information modelling (BIM) for The Brooklyn Tower project. This approach streamlined the construction process, resulting in time and cost savings. Similarly, Japan’s Obayashi Corporation developed a real-time 3D viewer application for creating and viewing digital versions of their construction sites, demonstrating the global applicability of this technology.

Also Read: The Power of BIM in Construction

Is This a Solution for the UK’s Legacy Infrastructure?

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has seen a significant surge in technology investment, with an estimated $50 billion allocated between 2020 and 2022. Digital twins are at the forefront of this investment, enabling more effective remote monitoring, data collection, and waste reduction, thus enhancing overall productivity.

In the UK, where much of the infrastructure dates back to Victorian times, the integration of digital twins is not just an upgrade but a necessity. By combining hardware, software, and data analysis, digital twins offer a path to modernising legacy systems and implementing new, more efficient methods. As Sven Boesen emphasises, using this technology is instrumental in addressing the longstanding issues of delays and cost overruns in UK construction projects.

PRV Engineering specialise in various industries including construction, structural and architectural steelwork, site work installation and maintenance, among others. Get in touch if you have any questions or if you need assistance with your projects.