Digital twins as enablers of structure inspection and maintenance

Abstract

The emergence of new technologies based on the exchange of data and information via the internet has prompted a revolution in the industry as a whole. First applied in manufacturing, the movement known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution soon spread and changed the dynamics of many other fields. Digital twins (DTs), one of the technologies that emerged in this scenario, are used to replicate physical environments in virtual models. Such models must be supplied with up-to-date information throughout a product's lifecycle to ensure accurate representation of the real asset. DTs have great potential to impact the construction industry, supporting facilities management, simulation tasks, and centralized management and recording of interventions. However, despite the attention the theme has attracted among researchers and companies, implementation of the concept in practical situations is still largely underexplored. Thus, this study aims to critically analyze the concept of DTs and their potential in the construction industry, particularly in inspection and maintenance tasks for existing structures. The study comprises a literature review undertaken to identify the multiple types of DT models, examine barriers and opportunities associated with their use, and discuss their potential as enablers of inspection and maintenance strategies. Furthermore, research opportunities related to the use of DTs for structural inspection and maintenance are suggested.