The Concept of Creating Digital Twins of Bridges Using Load Tests

Abstract

The paper sheds light on the process of creating and validating the digital twin of bridges, emphasizing the crucial role of load testing, BIM models, and FEM models. At first, the paper presents a comprehensive definition of the digital twin concept, outlining its core principles and features. Then, the framework for implementing the digital twin concept in bridge facilities is discussed, highlighting its potential applications and benefits. One of the crucial components highlighted is the role of load testing in the validation and updating of the FEM model for further use in the digital twin framework. Load testing is emphasized as a key step in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the digital twin, as it allows the validation and refinement of its models. To illustrate the practical application and issues during tuning and validating the FEM model, the paper provides an example of a real bridge. It shows how a BIM model is utilized to generate a computational FEM model. The results of the load tests carried out on the bridge are discussed, demonstrating the importance of the data obtained from these tests in calibrating the FEM model, which forms a critical part of the digital twin framework.

Exploring the Applications of Digital Twin Technology in Enhancing Sustainability in Civil Engineering: A Review

“…This virtual model combines real-time data from physical entities (projects, engineering, structures, components, etc.) with simulation technology to reflect their behaviour, performance, and characteristics, including their mechanical performance [67], environmental safety [76], energy consumption [29], structural health [44], etc. In civil engineering, digital twins enable engineers to monitor, analyse, and optimize the performance of structures throughout their entire lifecycle.…”

Rebuilding Bailey Bridge to Bridge With Bascule Span – A Case Study

“…: portable camera-based vibration monitoring systems (Bocian et al, 2023), terrestrial laser scanning technology (Gawronek & Makuch, 2019) or ground-based radar interferometry (Owerko et al, 2012). Strains/stresses in the steel structure were measured and recorded using the calibrated induction extensometers and specialized measuring equipment (Jasiński et al, 2023). A comparison of chosen measurement results from load tests with FEM numerical results is provided in Table 2.…”