specific economic, social, and environmental impact studies to a real-time view of a transportation system, using AI to identify barriers and model likely outcomes based on projected demographic changes to various neighborhoods. If a model doesn’t include simulations and analytics, it shouldn’t be called a digital twin. Anything less can create a cloud of confusion in an industry that should thrive on clarity. Just as engineers don’t take a loose approach to engineering calculations, our field should use greater precision in the language used to categorize these new tools or risk diminished credibility for how we handle the hype. That’s particularly important when engaging a broader range of stakeholders and proposing uses that go far beyond project design. Digital twins enable efficiencies in ongoing testing, monitoring and maintenance of vital infrastructure. In very simple terms, the data rich model shows what has happened, real-time remote sensing shows what is happening, and predictive modeling and simulation assesses what will happen. For example, to facilitate land use and planning, WSP and Giraffe developed LandiQ, a digital twin that spans all of New South Wales in Australia.
That’s the critical point behind simulations and analytics: they should be used to address pain-points and drive strategic outcomes. Designers don’t need to add everything to a simulation simply because it’s technically possible. It’s more helpful to focus on data that helps solve problems, focusing on the use case and the three key dimensions of the size of the asset(s) to be twinned; the intent and life cycle stage of the asset, and maturity of systems and available data, whether static, dynamic, or predictive. Done well, digital twins can save time, cut costs, spur innovation, and enhance the quality of designs and decision-making. But only if we hold ourselves accountable to ensuring digital twins meet the twin features that define it.
Chris Harman is the Director of Digital Delivery and Innovation at WSP, one of the world’s largest engineering and sustainability consultancies and the creator of a no-cost guide to digital twins.
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October 2023 csengineermag.com
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