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Saback, V., Popescu, C., Blanksvärd, T. & Täljsten, B. (2024). Analysis of Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: Practical Applications, Purpose, and Parallel with other Industries. Buildings, 14(5), Article ID 1361.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Analysis of Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: Practical Applications, Purpose, and Parallel with other Industries
2024 (English)In: Buildings, E-ISSN 2075-5309, Vol. 14, no 5, article id 1361Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Digital Twins (DT) have become a widely discussed subject, believed to have the potential to solve various problems across different industries, including Engineering & Construction (E&C). However, there is still significant misconception concerning the definition of DT and their purpose within E&C. This study dives deep into identifying DT applications within E&C and the other prominent industries, i.e., Aerospace & Aviation, Manufacturing, Energy & Utilities, Automotive, Healthcare, Smart Cities, Oil & Gas, and Retail. The main challenges to the evolution of DT practical applications are also analyzed. A combination of literature review, multi-case study analysis, and comparative analysis compose the deployed methodology. Standardization and a maturity level classification are proposed to drive progress of the adoption of DT. The distinct aspects of the different industries and their assets are evaluated to the conclusion that DT are better employed to maintenance of structures within E&C. DT have become a well-worn topic, but the abundance of complex theoretical frameworks is met with simple or inexistent practical applications. Therefore, the novelty of this study lays in its comprehensive analysis of DT applications and real-world implementations – a departure from the often-theoretical discussions surrounding DTs.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
MDPI, 2024
Keywords
digital twins, practical applications, construction industry, Engineering & Construction, standardization, maturity level
National Category
Computer Systems Production Engineering, Human Work Science and Ergonomics
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-105308 (URN)10.3390/buildings14051361 (DOI)001233509800001 ()2-s2.0-85194478167 (Scopus ID)
Projects
InfraSweden2030
Funder
VinnovaSwedish Research Council FormasSwedish Energy AgencySvenska Byggbranschens Utvecklingsfond (SBUF)
Note

Validerad;2024;Nivå 2;2024-05-16 (hanlid);

Funder: Skanska Sweden;

Full text license: CC BY 4.0

Available from: 2024-05-02 Created: 2024-05-02 Last updated: 2024-11-20Bibliographically approved
Saback, V., Gonzalez-Libreros, J., Popescu, C., Blanksvärd, T., Täljsten, B., Sas, G. & Eliasson, J. (2024). Digital Twins for asset management: platform for predictive maintenance and Trough Bridge case study. In: IABSE Congress San Jose 2024: Beyond Structural Engineering in a Changing World. Paper presented at IABSE Congress 2024, September 25-27, 2024, San Jose, Costa Rica (pp. 1319-1325). IABSE
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Digital Twins for asset management: platform for predictive maintenance and Trough Bridge case study
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2024 (English)In: IABSE Congress San Jose 2024: Beyond Structural Engineering in a Changing World, IABSE , 2024, p. 1319-1325Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
IABSE, 2024
Keywords
digital twins, bridges, asset management, fibre optic sensors, construction industry
National Category
Infrastructure Engineering
Research subject
Structural Engineering; Building Materials
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-105311 (URN)2-s2.0-85210836846 (Scopus ID)
Conference
IABSE Congress 2024, September 25-27, 2024, San Jose, Costa Rica
Funder
Swedish Transport AdministrationSvenska Byggbranschens Utvecklingsfond (SBUF)
Note

This article has previously appeared as a manuscript in a thesis.

ISBN for host publication: 978-385748205-2;

Funder: Skanska Sweden;

Available from: 2024-05-02 Created: 2024-05-02 Last updated: 2025-01-10Bibliographically approved
Miclăușoiu, D., Nedelcu, M. & Blanksvärd, T. (2024). Experimental and numerical analysis of different vertical connections of precast shear walls with special regard towards deformability. Structural Concrete, 25(1), 85-110
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Experimental and numerical analysis of different vertical connections of precast shear walls with special regard towards deformability
2024 (English)In: Structural Concrete, ISSN 1464-4177, E-ISSN 1751-7648, Vol. 25, no 1, p. 85-110Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Nowadays precast concrete multi-story dual system structures require Finite Element Method structural analysis. The stiffness of the vertical connections between wall panels influences the internal forces distribution. European standard EN 1992-1-1 recommends verification of strength and deformability of precast connections to be assisted by testing. Six different connection layouts were tested under pure shear with a special attention towards deformability. All connections showed close to/equivalent monolithic initial stiffness. Depending on the connection layout, the post-cracking stiffness is reduced. The equation for shear resistance of interfaces between concrete cast at different times according to EN 1992-1-1 can lead to significant estimation errors due to its weak physical meaning (in disagreement with experimental observed failure mechanisms). A non-linear finite element analysis solution strategy is validated by experimental results that shows how stochastic parameters can inflict large variation in terms of strength and stiffness.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
John Wiley & Sons, 2024
Keywords
code design estimations, connections deformability, numerical simulation, precast shear walls, pure shear
National Category
Building Technologies
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-102322 (URN)10.1002/suco.202300429 (DOI)001097459100001 ()2-s2.0-85175716761 (Scopus ID)
Note

Validerad;2024;Nivå 2;2024-02-14 (sofila);

Funder: Consolis OY

Available from: 2023-11-06 Created: 2023-11-06 Last updated: 2024-03-07Bibliographically approved
Saback, V., Popescu, C., Täljsten, B. & Blanksvärd, T. (2023). Analysis of Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: Current Trends and Applications. In: Alper Ilki, Derya Çavunt, Yavuz Selim Çavunt (Ed.), Alper Ilki, Derya Çavunt, Yavuz Selim Çavunt (Ed.), Building for the Future: Durable, Sustainable, Resilient - Proceedings of the fib Symposium 2023 - Volume 2: . Paper presented at International Symposium of the International Federation for Structural Concrete, fib Symposium 2023, June 5-7, Istanbul, Turkey (pp. 1080-1088). Springer, 2
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Analysis of Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: Current Trends and Applications
2023 (English)In: Building for the Future: Durable, Sustainable, Resilient - Proceedings of the fib Symposium 2023 - Volume 2 / [ed] Alper Ilki, Derya Çavunt, Yavuz Selim Çavunt, Springer, 2023, Vol. 2, p. 1080-1088Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

The construction industry has a significant impact in terms of financialand environmental resources but is vastly behind other sectors in terms of digitalization.The potential of this industry to be improved by new technology has beenreflected in huge trends in research for terms such as “digital twins”. However, thepurpose of such technologies and how they can be applied to specific needs andassets in the construction sector is not always clear. This paper proposes an analysisof the purpose, current and future states of digital twins in the constructionindustry, based on a reviewof the evolution of research in the topic and recentmarketapplications. Even though there is a discrepancy between research and levelof development of tangible applications, it is undeniable that the digital transformationwill reach the construction industry. The efforts should then be focusedon technology that can be translated to its assets, such as smart management, andwill generate tangible results that can survive outside the theoretical realm.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2023
Series
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, ISSN 2366-2557, E-ISSN 2366-2565 ; 350
Keywords
Digital Twins, Construction Industry, Construction Sector, Smart Infrastructure, BIM
National Category
Construction Management
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-98099 (URN)10.1007/978-3-031-32511-3_110 (DOI)2-s2.0-85164247551 (Scopus ID)978-3-031-32511-3 (ISBN)978-3-031-32510-6 (ISBN)
Conference
International Symposium of the International Federation for Structural Concrete, fib Symposium 2023, June 5-7, Istanbul, Turkey
Available from: 2023-06-09 Created: 2023-06-09 Last updated: 2024-04-09Bibliographically approved
Mirzazade, A., Popescu, C., Gonzalez-Libreros, J., Blanksvärd, T., Täljsten, B. & Sas, G. (2023). Semi-autonomous inspection for concrete structures using digital models and a hybrid approach based on deep learning and photogrammetry. Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 13(8), 1633-1652
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Semi-autonomous inspection for concrete structures using digital models and a hybrid approach based on deep learning and photogrammetry
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2023 (English)In: Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, ISSN 2190-5452, Vol. 13, no 8, p. 1633-1652Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

Bridge inspections are relied heavily on visual inspection, and usually conducted within limited time windows, typically at night, to minimize their impact on traffic. This makes it difficult to inspect every meter of the structure, especially for large-scale bridges with hard-to-access areas, which creates a risk of missing serious defects or even safety hazards. This paper presents a new technique for the semi-automated damage detection in tunnel linings and bridges using a hybrid approach based on photogrammetry and deep learning. The first approach involves using photogrammetry to reconstruct a 3D model. It is shown that a model with sub-centimeter accuracy can be obtained after noise removal. However, noise removal also reduces the point cloud density, making the 3D point cloud unsuitable for quantification of small-scale damages such as fine cracks. Therefore, the captured images are also analyzed using deep convolutional neural network (CNN) models to enable crack detection and segmentation. For this aim, in the second approach, the 3D model is generated by the output of CNN models to enable crack localization and quantification on 3D digital model. These two approaches were evaluated in separate case studies, showing that the proposed technique could be a valuable tool to assist human inspectors in detecting, localizing, and quantifying defects on concrete structures.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature, 2023
Keywords
Bridge inspection, Computer vision, Photogrammetry, Damage detection, Damage segmentation, UAV
National Category
Infrastructure Engineering
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-95443 (URN)10.1007/s13349-023-00680-x (DOI)000921813700002 ()2-s2.0-85146975670 (Scopus ID)
Funder
Swedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01515EU, Horizon 2020, 101012456 IN2TRACK3
Note

Validerad;2024;Nivå 2;2024-04-02 (hanlid);

Full text license: CC BY 4.0

Available from: 2023-01-31 Created: 2023-01-31 Last updated: 2024-11-20Bibliographically approved
Saback de Freitas Bello, V., Popescu, C., Blanksvärd, T. & Täljsten, B. (2022). Asset Management of Existing Concrete Bridges Using Digital Twins and BIM: a State-of-the-Art Literature Review. Nordic Concrete Research, 66(1), 91-111
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Asset Management of Existing Concrete Bridges Using Digital Twins and BIM: a State-of-the-Art Literature Review
2022 (English)In: Nordic Concrete Research, ISSN 0800-6377, Vol. 66, no 1, p. 91-111Article, review/survey (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]

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.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Walter de Gruyter, 2022
Keywords
digital twins, bridges, bridge maintenance, bridge management systems, BIM, review
National Category
Other Materials Engineering
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-92217 (URN)10.2478/ncr-2021-0020 (DOI)000825200600007 ()
Funder
VinnovaSwedish Research Council FormasSwedish Energy Agency
Note

Validerad;2022;Nivå 2;2022-07-21 (sofila)

Available from: 2022-07-22 Created: 2022-07-22 Last updated: 2024-05-02Bibliographically approved
Saback, V., Mirzazade, A., Gonzalez, J., Blanksvärd, T., Popescu, C., Täljsten, B., . . . Petersson, M. (2022). Crack monitoring by fibre optics and image correlation: a pilot study. In: IABSE Symposium Prague, 2022: Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures, Report: . Paper presented at IABSE Symposium Prague 2022 - Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures (CEOS), Prague, Czech Republic, May 25-27, 2022 (pp. 437-444). International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, Article ID O-048.
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Crack monitoring by fibre optics and image correlation: a pilot study
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2022 (English)In: IABSE Symposium Prague, 2022: Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures, Report, International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, 2022, p. 437-444, article id O-048Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

As reinforced concrete structures reach the end of their design lives, technology for improving accuracy and efficiency of inspections and structural health monitoring rapidly progresses. Concrete cracking and reinforcement strains are two relevant parameters in assessing damage and safety ofthese structures. The use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) systems and distributed Fibre Optic Sensors (FOS) to evaluate these parameters are two of the technologies that have been gaining momentum due to their advantages over other approaches. This study presents an experimental investigation of crack propagation of a reinforced concrete beam specimen through FOS and DIC.The FOS were positioned inside a groove carved in the rebar and in the concrete immediately outside the bar for comparison. The results showed a significant difference between both positions, with more reliable data coming from inside the bar. The addition of the DIC crack propagation images to the FOS analysis complemented the results, and good visual correlation was identified between both methods. This study is part of a broader research program, which aims at applying DIC and FOS for structural health monitoring of a real scale bridge structure.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, 2022
Keywords
reinforced concrete, Fibre Optic Sensors, Digital Image Correlation, crack propagation
National Category
Construction Management
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-90818 (URN)2-s2.0-85133555444 (Scopus ID)
Conference
IABSE Symposium Prague 2022 - Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures (CEOS), Prague, Czech Republic, May 25-27, 2022
Funder
VinnovaSwedish Research Council FormasSwedish Energy AgencySvenska Byggbranschens Utvecklingsfond (SBUF)
Note

Funder: Skanska Sweden;

ISBN for host publication: 978-3-85748-181-9

Available from: 2022-05-31 Created: 2022-05-31 Last updated: 2023-09-04Bibliographically approved
Saback de Freitas Bello, V., Popescu, C., Blanksvärd, T. & Täljsten, B. (2022). Framework for Bridge Management Systems (BMS) Using Digital Twins. In: Carlo Pellegrino; Flora Faleschini; Mariano Angelo Zanini; José C. Matos; Joan R. Casas; Alfred Strauss (Ed.), Proceedings of the 1st Conference of the European Association on Quality Control of Bridges and Structures: . Paper presented at 1st Conference of the European Association on Quality Control of Bridges and Structures (EUROSTRUCT 2021) August 29 - September 1 2021, Padova, Italy (pp. 687-694). Springer, 200
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Framework for Bridge Management Systems (BMS) Using Digital Twins
2022 (English)In: Proceedings of the 1st Conference of the European Association on Quality Control of Bridges and Structures / [ed] Carlo Pellegrino; Flora Faleschini; Mariano Angelo Zanini; José C. Matos; Joan R. Casas; Alfred Strauss, Springer, 2022, Vol. 200, p. 687-694Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Bridge structures have significantly long life spans; many medieval and historic bridges remain in operation in the world. The concept of bridge management contains the activities related to managing bridge inspections and condition assessment, which can be gathered into a Bridge Management System (BMS). Deterioration and failures have increased over the years in the already aging bridges; therefore, the importance of BMS to ensure safety of bridge operation and maximize investments in bridge maintenance has also increased. Digital Twin (DT) technology can be applied in the construction industry to achieve smart management through the entire life cycle of structures. Unlike the aerospace and manufacturing industries, the maturity of development of DT models in the construction industry still lags behind. In this study, a literature review was initially performed to gather knowledge on the origins of the digital twin concept and current best practice focused on bridge structures. A systematic approach for the literature review is presented in the methodology. Lastly, a framework for facility management of bridge structures using digital twins is proposed.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer, 2022
Series
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering (LNCE), ISSN 2366-2557, E-ISSN 2366-2565 ; 200
Keywords
Bridges, Digital twins, Bridge management systems, BMS, Facility management
National Category
Infrastructure Engineering
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-88734 (URN)10.1007/978-3-030-91877-4_78 (DOI)2-s2.0-85121920211 (Scopus ID)
Conference
1st Conference of the European Association on Quality Control of Bridges and Structures (EUROSTRUCT 2021) August 29 - September 1 2021, Padova, Italy
Available from: 2022-01-21 Created: 2022-01-21 Last updated: 2025-01-15Bibliographically approved
Popescu, C., Täljsten, B., Blanksvärd, T. & Elfgren, L. (2022). Remote bridge inspection using optical methods. In: Johan Silfwerbrand (Ed.), 24th NCR Symposium Proceedings: . Paper presented at XXIV Nordic Concrete Research Symposium 2022, Stockholm, Sweden, August 16-19, 2022. Nordic Concrete Federation
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Remote bridge inspection using optical methods
2022 (English)In: 24th NCR Symposium Proceedings / [ed] Johan Silfwerbrand, Nordic Concrete Federation , 2022Conference paper, Oral presentation with published abstract (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

Routine bridge inspections usually consist of visual observations. These inspections are timeconsuming and subjective. There is a need to identify new inspection techniques for infrastructure that reduce traffic disturbance, and improve the efficiency and reliability of the acquired data. This study compared the performance of three different imaging technologies for the threedimensional (3D) geometric modelling of existing structures: terrestrial laser scanning, closerange photogrammetry, and infrared scanning. Each technology was used to assess six existing concrete railway bridges. The results suggest that all methods investigated can be used to create 3D models, however, with different level of completeness.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Nordic Concrete Federation, 2022
Keywords
Bridge Inspection, Optical Methods, Remote Sensing, Maintenance
National Category
Infrastructure Engineering
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-94446 (URN)
Conference
XXIV Nordic Concrete Research Symposium 2022, Stockholm, Sweden, August 16-19, 2022
Projects
In2Track: Research into enhanced tracks, switches and structures
Funder
Swedish Transport AdministrationSwedish Research Council Formas, 2019-01515
Available from: 2022-12-01 Created: 2022-12-01 Last updated: 2022-12-01Bibliographically approved
Mirzazade, A., Popescu, C., Blanksvärd, T. & Täljsten, B. (2021). Application of close range photogrammetry in structural health monitoring by processing generated point cloud datasets. In: H. H. (Bert) Snijder; Bart De Pauw; Sander van Alphen; Pierre Mengeot (Ed.), IABSE Congress Ghent 2021: Structural Engineering for Future Societal Needs. Paper presented at IABSE Congress 2021: Structural Engineering for Future Societal Needs, Ghent, Belgium, September 22-24, 2021 (pp. 450-458). International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Application of close range photogrammetry in structural health monitoring by processing generated point cloud datasets
2021 (English)In: IABSE Congress Ghent 2021: Structural Engineering for Future Societal Needs / [ed] H. H. (Bert) Snijder; Bart De Pauw; Sander van Alphen; Pierre Mengeot, International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE) , 2021, p. 450-458Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

In bridge inspection, vertical displacement is a relevant parameter for both short and long-term health monitoring. Assessing change in deflections could also simplify the assessment work for inspectors. Recent developments in digital camera technology and photogrammetry software enables point cloud with colour information (RGB values) to be generated. Thus, close range photogrammetry offers the potential of monitoring big and small-scale damages by point clouds. The current paper aims to monitor geometrical deviations in Pahtajokk Bridge, Northern Sweden, using an optical data acquisition technique. The bridge in this study is scanned two times by almost one year a part. After point cloud generation the datasets were compared to detect geometrical deviations. First scanning was carried out by both close range photogrammetry (CRP) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), while second scanning was performed by CRP only. Analyzing the results has shown the potential of CRP in bridge inspection.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), 2021
Keywords
bridge inspection, photogrammetry, 3D point-cloud generation, geometrical deviation
National Category
Infrastructure Engineering
Research subject
Structural Engineering
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-87670 (URN)10.2749/ghent.2021.0450 (DOI)2-s2.0-85119052048 (Scopus ID)
Conference
IABSE Congress 2021: Structural Engineering for Future Societal Needs, Ghent, Belgium, September 22-24, 2021
Available from: 2021-10-28 Created: 2021-10-28 Last updated: 2023-10-20Bibliographically approved
Organisations
Identifiers
ORCID iD: ORCID iD iconorcid.org/0000-0002-5154-7044

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