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Abstract

The construction industry has efficiency and collaboration issues because of the digital-physical divide. Digital twin (DT) technology has developed a viable answer, generating a virtual and digital counterpart of a physical asset for monitoring, simulation, analysis, and other purposes throughout its existence. This study investigates the use of DT for facility management (FM) in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, including its benefits, obstacles and implementation tactics.

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, which includes a thorough literature analysis, an industry survey, and interviews with construction professionals. The findings show a lack of widespread awareness and comprehension of DT technology among industry stakeholders, emphasizing the need for improved education and training activities. The key benefits found are lower operational costs, higher asset performance, better project management, and increased sustainability. However, constraints such as a lack of industry standards, a costly initial investment, organizational change management, and data integration and interoperability issues impede widespread implementation.

Furthermore, the study investigates the potential of DT for FM, highlighting applications such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and energy performance management. Despite the known benefits, the adoption rate of DT for FM remains low, with only 15.8% of survey respondents now using it. Practical issues, such as cybersecurity concerns, high running expenses, and organizational aversion to change, have been noted as obstacles to implementation.

To solve these issues, the paper provides a conceptual data framework for DT implementation in FM, which includes basic concepts such as data collection, integration, storage, analytics, visualization, and security. The framework attempts to provide a road map for the successful implementation of DT by addressing critical concerns such as data management, stakeholder collaboration, enabling technology, and performance measurement.

The study concludes with recommendations for overcoming barriers, including adopting industry-wide standards and guidelines, investing in training and skill development, promoting organizational change management, researching funding programs, and encouraging industry collaboration. By implementing these recommendations, the construction sector may fully realize the promise of DT for FM, improving operational efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance during the operation and maintenance phase.

Course: Building Information Management - MSc - P2657FTC

Date Deposited: 2025-01-15

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14637.html