Digital twinning for construction and infrastructure applications
SUMMARY
The main aim of this research area is to develop an ecosystem where newly-emerging digital and smart technologies can be seamlessly adapted to current construction practices.
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To achieve this vision, Dr. Gonzalez is proposing a construction and infrastructure digital twin (C&IDT) framework and ecosystem based on Lean Construction 4.0 principles (co-introduced by Dr. Gonzalez), which advocates for a view of construction management that integrates production theory through Lean Construction, Industry 4.0-driven smart and digital technologies, and people and culture under a human-centred and cultural-based design optic for construction and engineering organisations.
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Human-centred design aims to render interactive systems usable and useful by not only placing, but actively involving, users at the core of design and development processes. In contrast to product- or technology-centric approaches, human-centred design develops culturally-robust, human-informed, and suitable solutions to problems.
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Overall, this approach is expected to provide the technical and practical basis to drive enhanced adoption of digitalisation and, consequently, improve competitiveness of the construction and infrastructure industry.
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In addition, a human-centred approach will facilitate a focus on resilient infrastructure (e.g., energy facilities, buildings, roads) by providing a means through which the adoption of not only Lean, but sustainable and cultural-based principles, can be easily and simultaneously incorporated into the design and construction of construction and infrastructure projects.
