The result of the Scan to BIM process, after the 3D laser scanning and 3D modeling stages, is the BIM model or Digital Twin model, depending on the needs of each project and the client’s requests. Partnering with Graitec Romania as a provider of specialized software and Autodesk accredited training, the Popp & Asociații BIM Technologies BIM Technologies team performs the entire scan to BIM process, resulting in models that are exact digital replicas for any construction project.

The Digital Twin Model concept involves three distinct parts: the object and its physical environment, the digital representation of the object and the communication channel between the physical and virtual representations.

Thus, a Digital Twin Model is a three-dimensional digital representation of a building or infrastructure that, in addition to the 3D geometric representation, integrates detailed information about the physical and functional characteristics of a project, as well as the materials used, their quantities and properties, and the processes involved in construction and operation.

The model traces the evolution of a construction from the design phase (for new buildings) and continues to collect data during operation to streamline the maintenance process and building performance. For existing buildings, the initial information is collected through the 3D scanning process, based on which the Digital Twin model is then built.

As described in previous articles of the Scan to BIM series, the process starts with a clear definition of the objectives for the project, followed by the collection of field data using 3D laser scanning. The Digital Twin model is created by processing the information from the scan and integrating it with the rest of the relevant data collected by sensors over the lifetime of the construction, with the aim of simulating the behavior and monitoring the operations of a construction in a digital environment.

Using advanced information modeling software, such as that developed by Autodesk, engineers and architects create these detailed models that include geometric, spatial, and material, component, and systems information about the building.

The whole process needs to be carried out by a team that is experienced in both BIM (BIM-certified staff) and building design, to understand the building as a whole and the collaboration between all the specialties involved.

The uses of a Digital Twin model are multiple and have benefits throughout the construction lifecycle. In general, the Digital Twin Model helps to reduce the cost and time required to develop and maintain a building by identifying and eliminating problems before they occur in the real world, with the data contained in the model ensuring the traceability of changes.

The Digital Twin model therefore serves as an accurate representation of the building’s construction conditions. This digital documentation can be used for facility management, maintenance planning and future renovations or modernizations. Installed sensors and IoT devices collect real-time data about various parameters (e.g. temperature, humidity, occupancy, energy consumption, etc.), which is fed into the Digital Twin model to monitor building behavior and performance in real-time.

By analyzing the data collected from sensors and historical performance data stored in the Digital Twin, patterns, trends and anomalies can be identified that may indicate potential issues or maintenance needs, and estimates can be made as to whether various repairs or maintenance needs to be performed on the systems. By predicting maintenance needs in advance, downtime can be minimized, maintenance costs can be reduced, and the lifespan of building systems and equipment can be optimized.

Digital Twin allows stakeholders to simulate different scenarios and assess the impact of design changes or operational strategies on building performance. This enables the optimization of energy efficiency, occupants’ comfort, safety and overall building performance throughout the building’s lifecycle.

In the context of smart cities, the Digital Twin model can be integrated with other urban infrastructure systems such as transportation networks, utilities and public services. This holistic approach enables informed decision making and optimizes the performance of the built environment at city scale.

All in all, the data provided by the Digital Twin model brings multiple benefits to clients, including time and cost savings, energy efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint for the building in question. Whether rehabilitating, consolidating, renovating or monitoring the performance of a building, having a model resulting from the Scan to BIM process guarantees the authenticity of the building data and the accuracy of the decisions made. Furthermore, the digital representation of buildings in the form of BIM models brings benefits in the exploitation of the entire built stock as well as for the city as a whole.