Digital Twins: Bridging the Physical and Virtual in Construction

There is a new generation of buildings made not of bricks and mortar, but of bits and pixels. They are not designed for living in or sheltering from the rain, yet they serve a vital purpose. Digital twins are reshaping how construction projects are designed, delivered and managed. Powered by 3D modelling, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and real-time data, this technology enables the optimisation of every stage in the lifecycle of an infrastructure asset, from construction through to maintenance.

What is a digital twin and how is it used in construction?

A digital twin is a dynamic, virtual representation of a physical asset, system or process, continuously updated with real-time data. In construction, it goes beyond traditional 3D modelling or BIM by incorporating data from sensors and smart platforms, offering a holistic, up-to-date picture of every phase in an infrastructure project's lifecycle.

This technology helps to spot issues before they arise, lower construction and maintenance costs, and enhance the project's operational and energy efficiency. It also improves collaboration between teams at every stage—from early design through to predictive maintenance and even demolition at the end of the asset's life.

Key applications across the project lifecycle

Digital twins enhance each stage of a building or infrastructure’s lifecycle in the following ways:

1. Design and planning. In this phase, combining BIM and 3D models enables the creation of highly detailed visual simulations. Once integrated into a digital twin, these models can test variables such as a building’s energy performance or structural response to different weather conditions. This allows for better-informed decisions from the very beginning.
2. Construction and execution. During the build phase, sensors installed on site continuously feed data into the digital twin. This enables real-time monitoring of progress, early identification of deviations from the plan, and the ability to anticipate delays or logistical issues. Tools such as virtual and augmented reality also support on-site design checks and safer staff training.
3. Operation and maintenance. With predictive maintenance, it is possible to detect material wear before it leads to failure, schedule inspections proactively, and optimise systems like lighting and climate control. This not only enhances safety but also improves energy efficiency and extends the asset’s lifespan.

Digital twins vary in how they interact with the physical environment:

• Static digital twin. Based on 3D or BIM models without live data integration, this version is mainly used during design, offering visualisations and early-stage analysis without dynamic functionality.
• Connected digital twin. This version incorporates sensors that provide continuous feedback from the physical environment. It is especially useful during construction and for operational monitoring, enabling real-time decision-making.
• Smart or predictive digital twin. Enhanced with advanced analytics and AI, this twin can forecast future conditions, from energy demand to maintenance needs.
• Autonomous digital twin. Still under development in many sectors, this twin is capable of reacting independently to certain events, increasing infrastructure resilience and reducing the need for human intervention.

The BIM2TWIN project and its impact on construction

One notable example of digital twin application in construction is the BIM2TWIN project. Its aim is to develop a digital twin platform to support the management of construction processes.

The BIM2TWIN platform will combine artificial intelligence with semantic data linked to a project's BIM model. This integration will help reduce inefficiencies, improve scheduling, cut costs, enhance on-site safety and quality, and lower the project's carbon footprint.

Once finalised, the platform is expected to be rolled out across three pilot projects in France, Finland and Spain. In Spain, ACCIONA will lead implementation in an innovative development in Barcelona.

The platform will deliver real-time insights into the status of the building or infrastructure and ongoing works. It will also improve process control and execution quality, enable early detection of risks on site, optimise machinery use, and support advanced planning to anticipate the impact of changes and test alternative approaches.

BIM2TWIN marks a major step in construction’s digital transformation—and shows how digital twins can make building projects more efficient, safer and more sustainable.

Source:

• ACCIONA