Digital twins as education support in construction: a first development framework based on the Reference Construction Site Aachen West

Abstract

The Reference Construction Site Aachen West, located in Aachen, Germany, is a campus-based living lab for research and university education in construction. To ensure and improve the education quality, this paper researches a new study tool in the form of a digital twin framework powered by the Unreal Engine. By implementing MQTT, an IoT communication protocol, the digital twin realizes synchronicity of cyber-physical bi-directional data flows. Representing the virtual Reference Construction Site, an online multiplayer application was developed as a use case to answer the research questions: (1) how to design the digital twin and structure in an extendable and accessible development framework for different users and (2) how to support education in construction with this digital twin. To validate the concept, a group of students were invited online to explore the application and provide user feedback. Results show positive effects of the digital twin on enhancing the quality of the online education in construction with its real-time interaction and data from on-site machinery and processes. The digital twin is planned to be transferred to research and construction projects.

Analysis of Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: Practical Applications, Purpose, and Parallel with other Industries

“…Lastly, DT technology holds great potential in what regards higher education for architects and construction engineers as well. By integrating DT frameworks into educational settings, students can gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how various technologies can visualize and optimize facilities throughout their lifecycle [51,52]. This technology can enhance the quality of online education by providing real-time interaction and data from on-site machinery and processes, ultimately improving the learning experience for students [52].…”

“…By integrating DT frameworks into educational settings, students can gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of how various technologies can visualize and optimize facilities throughout their lifecycle [51,52]. This technology can enhance the quality of online education by providing real-time interaction and data from on-site machinery and processes, ultimately improving the learning experience for students [52]. Additionally, incorporating DTs as a project-based learning objective can offer interdisciplinary expertise to students in architecture, engineering, and construction fields [53].…”

“…learning experience for students [52]. Additionally, incorporating DTs as a project-based learning objective can offer interdisciplinary expertise to students in architecture, engineering, and construction fields [53].…”

Optimal Partition of the Compulsory Education Period

“…Previous research related to education tends to focus on digital twins of engineering and architectural concepts used for learning (cf. Liljaniemi & Paavilainen, 2020;Dai & Brell-Çokcan 2022), but this does not directly address broader service delivery itself.…”