Digital Integration of BIM, GIS, and Digital Twins in Structural Health and Infrastructure Monitoring

Author

D. Haritha, A. Jyothsna, G. Sri Charan, K. Yasaswini, K. Aravind


Abstract

 Large physical structures such as city infrastructure, university campuses, farms and buildings, need to be monitored on a regular basis to ensure that they remain safe, efficient, and well-maintained. The traditional method of checking structures is paper clipboards and manual checks by facility managers. This was an older method, was slow, costly and sometimes would miss early signs of structural stress, equipment failure or material losses. Four interconnected digital tools – Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographical Information Systems (GIS), the Internet of Things (IoT) and Digital Twins – have revolutionized the way we monitor physical assets today. BIM gives detailed 3D images of individual buildings, GIS gives maps of neighbourhoods and areas on a wider scale, IoT contributes with continuous live measurements from small sensors, and Digital Twins are a computer mirror of the world that is created and continuously updated. Combined, these digital tools enable engineers to track how safe a structure is, aid urban planners in locating healthcare clinics where there are elderly residents, automate watering systems for farms, and accelerate emergency fire response at a campus. But there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, such as software compatibility, expensive equipment, poor internet connectivity in rural areas, and data privacy issues. These obstacles can be overcome by making a set of software rules available for all to share, deploying inexpensive wireless sensors and providing simple computer displays. As a summary, the use and implementation of integrated digital twin systems offer a potential opportunity to significantly improve the safety, cleanliness and resilience of our buildings and communities for all. 


Keywords

Building Information Modeling; Internet of Things; Geographic Information Systems; Digital Twin; Construction Monitoring; Smart Cities.



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References


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