Asset Management of Existing Concrete Bridges Using Digital Twins and BIM: a State-of-the-Art Literature Review

Abstract

The need to optimize investments in bridge maintenance has created a demand for improved bridge management systems (BMS). Outdated practices in bridge inspection and constant advances in information technology have also contributed to this demand. The use of Digital Twins (DT), although well established in other industries, is still incipient for asset management and structural analysis of bridges. There is a great deal of research on Building Information Modelling (BIM) for bridge inspection, but its post-construction potential is still under-explored. This study presents a state-of-the-art review of the literature on asset management for bridges using digital models such as BIM and digital twins. The review was conducting using a systematic approach. Despite the rapid increase in research on DT and the amount of existing research on BIM, several gaps remain to be addressed, such as the lack of consensus about the definition of digital twins, which has led to wrongful categorisation of digital models as DT. The complex data flow and software compatibility required to develop a functional DT have hindered the exploitation of their full potential so far. The integration of BIM post-construction to BMS and existing automation technologies can also significantly improve current practices of bridge management.

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

“…The literature was retrieved from Scopus as a scientific database for journal articles, as well as industry white papers, company reports, and conference papers, as they often contain the most up-to-date information, which is crucial for investigating DT applications. This study is also built upon a comprehensive literature review study previously conducted [14].…”

“…Terms such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and digital twins (DTs), for instance, represent contemporary technology trends that are currently experiencing notable popularity and discussion in both academic and mainstream media spheres. Concerning research papers, an investigation in a previous study showed that the number of publications containing the keywords "digital twins", "BIM", "management", and "maintenance" increased almost 4000% from 2010-2020 to 2021-2023 [1]. Such a commotion around these technologies was bound to reach the Engineering & Construction (E&C) industry, which is perceived as a very fertile ground for the digital transformation era.…”

Digital Trio: Integration of BIM-EIR-IoT for Facilities Management of Mega Construction Projects

“…By clearly defining the requirements and expectations upfront, the EIR helps identify potential risks related to information management and BIM implementation. This proactive approach allows the development of strategies to mitigate these risks and reduce the likelihood of issues arising during the project Saback, V.; Popescu, C.; Blanksvärd, T., 2022, [36].…”

Toward a BIM‐based procedure for the evaluation of a risk prioritization class of bridge structures

“…Many studies dealing with the use of BIM for the design and maintenance of bridges have been conducted worldwide, also thanks to the advancements in the technologies for structural health monitoring. Inspections and data collection processes have been automated, leading to significant increase in the accuracy and quality of the inspection data [19]. BIM for bridges is commonly referred to as Bridge Information Modelling (BrIM).…”