SHM and Digital Twin for Civil Infrastructure
Digital Twin technology is radically transforming predictive maintenance and leading the way in the future of structural health monitoring (SHM) for various assets, including buildings, transport infrastructure, airports, dams, vessels, aircraft, and offshore platforms. A Structural Digital Twin is a dynamic simulation that integrates all relevant data and models, continuously updating itself from multiple data sources to accurately represent its physical counterpart. Maintained throughout the lifecycle of an asset, system, or process, a structural digital twin provides early insights into potential risks and enables health monitoring (prediction, detection, diagnosis) and smart maintenance.
RESEARCH PILLARS
Research Pillar A - Data Collection: Our approach involves the collection, generation, communication, synthesis, and assessment of diverse datasets. These include existing infrastructure data, terrestrial and embedded sensors, autonomous airborne systems, satellite-derived data, and climate data. To manage and optimize this vast array of data, we utilize Data Lakehouse, which manages all types of data in accessible and open formats. This provides a control plane for managing, governing, and optimizing data access.
Research Pillar B - Data Analysis: We integrate the collected data (Pillar A) with advanced data-driven and physics-based simulations, along with risk analysis, to form a Structural Digital Twin of structures, systems, and processes. This comprehensive strategy enhances structural health monitoring by enabling the creation of a closed-loop cyber-physical system (CPS) between physical assets and their digital twins. This integration ensures reliable, predictive, proactive, and resilient decision-making, providing a robust framework for managing and mitigating risks.
Research Pillar C - Data Sharing & Visualization: Feedback from Data Analysis (Pillar B) is integrated into advanced high-dimensional data visualization platforms, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) for asset owners and operators. Additionally, we develop applications to assist transport network users in planning safe journeys through multimodal route-finder navigation tools, particularly during extreme events.
INNOVATION & APPLICATION PILLAR
This pillar is dedicated to the development of novel applications and innovative solutions leveraging digital twin technology. It involves identifying new use cases, integrating emerging technologies, and creating value-based services that fully harness the potential of the structural digital twin concept across diverse industries and domains. By exploring and implementing cutting-edge advancements, this pillar aims to drive transformative changes and deliver significant benefits in various sectors.
DISSEMINATION PILLAR
Digital Twin Forum: This Pillar actively fosters dialogue and knowledge sharing on the latest technological advancements and applications within the realm of digital twin technology through regular webinars and forums. By creating a platform for continuous learning and exchange, it ensures that stakeholders stay informed and engaged with cutting-edge developments in the field.