3D Asset Inspection – Creating a digital twin

3D Asset Inspection – Creating a digital twin

18 September, 2019 3D Reality Built Environment Construction Inspection

Built infrastructure management (BIM) systems are experiencing a change in the way asset inventories are monitored and maintained. The creation of a digital twin of real-world assets is more commonly referred to as 3D reality capture and is now business as usual for much of the asset management industry. The University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government are partnering to deliver Australia’s largest urban renewal project at Fisherman’s Bend incorporating this technology.

Whilst having a high-resolution 3D digital twin of an asset is a fun and engaging means of visualisation, conversations on the topic are now shifting to how to create value and business intelligence from this new technology. 

There are many means of experiencing the benefits digital twins have to offer. Uaviation has found that ensuing clients engaging with this technology understand and have the correct tools to guarantee a return on investment and is the key role any company providing this as a service. 

We find that the principal benefits to digital twins are by enabling the following:

  • visualisation of condition
  • a benchmark for tracking changes over time
  • the locating of inspection and maintenance data on the asset 
  • accurate ‘as-built’ designs
  • the briefing of contractors
  • scoping of works
  • the making of measurements and calculations
  • the accurate collection of insurance information necessary for loss control, underwriting, and claims
  • monitoring of contractor compliance.

Synthesising large datasets like this into actionable business intelligence is the second role of companies providing 3D reality capture servicers. It is therefore important to have to right tools at your disposal to simplify the collation, visualisation and summary of data such as inspection results and maintenance records. 

There are many BIM tools in the market currently that now have a 3D component. However, not all are created equal with some systems providing no more than a plug-in to existing systems and others, whilst being proficient at consuming 3D data, do not integrate well with existing BIM software. The tool you choose will dictate much with regard to the future capability of your systems and is therefore a critical decision for asset portfolio managers. 

If you would like to understand how you can incorporate digital twins into your business systems, please contact us through our website at https://uaviation.com.au/contact/ or on (03) 9618 2000.