Digital twin and virtual reality are emerging technologies that can enhance the design, analysis, and visualization of structures. However, to take full advantage of these tools, you need to optimize your structural models for performance, accuracy, and interoperability. In this article, you will learn how to do that by following some best practices and tips.
The level of detail (LOD) of your structural model determines how much information and complexity it contains. Higher LODs can capture more details and nuances, but they also require more computing power and storage space. Lower LODs can simplify and reduce the size of your model, but they may also lose some important features and behaviors. Therefore, you need to choose the right LOD for your purpose and audience. For example, if you want to create a digital twin for real-time monitoring and control, you may need a high LOD that reflects the current state and condition of your structure. If you want to create a virtual reality experience for education or entertainment, you may opt for a lower LOD that focuses on the essential aspects and aesthetics of your structure.
The level of detail (LOD) of your structural model determines how much information and complexity it contains. Higher LODs can capture more details and nuances, but they also require more computing power and storage space. Lower LODs can simplify and reduce the size of your model, but they may also lose some important features and behaviors. Therefore, you need to choose the right LOD for your purpose and audience. For example, if you want to create a digital twin for real-time monitoring and control, you may need a high LOD that reflects the current state and condition of your structure. If you want to create a virtual reality experience for education or entertainment, you may opt for a lower LOD
To ensure that your structural model can communicate and interact with other digital platforms and applications, you need to use standard formats and protocols that are widely supported and compatible. For example, you can use the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, which is an open and neutral data schema for building information modeling (BIM). IFC can store and exchange various types of information about your structure, such as geometry, materials, properties, and functions. You can also use the Building Smart Data Dictionary (BSDD), which is a common language and vocabulary for BIM concepts and terms. BSDD can help you avoid ambiguity and inconsistency when you share and reuse your structural data.
To ensure that your structural model can communicate and interact with other digital platforms and applications, you need to use standard formats and protocols that are widely supported and compatible. For example, you can use the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, which is an open and neutral data schema for building information modeling (BIM). IFC can store and exchange various types of information about your structure, such as geometry, materials, properties, and functions.
To optimize your structural model for digital twin and virtual reality, you need to apply some smart modeling techniques that can improve its quality and efficiency. For example, you can use parametric modeling, which is a method of creating and modifying your model based on a set of parameters and rules. Parametric modeling can help you automate and streamline your design process, as well as enable dynamic and adaptive changes to your model. You can also use generative design, which is a method of exploring and generating multiple design alternatives based on your goals and constraints. Generative design can help you discover and evaluate optimal solutions for your structure, as well as enhance its performance and innovation.
To optimize your structural model for digital twin and virtual reality, you need to apply some smart modeling techniques that can improve its quality and efficiency. For example, you can use parametric modeling, which is a method of creating and modifying your model based on a set of parameters and rules. Parametric modeling can help you automate and streamline your design process, as well as enable dynamic and adaptive changes to your model. You can also use generative design, which is a method of exploring and generating multiple design alternatives based on your goals and constraints.
My advice here is that engineers can use simulation and analysis tools to simulate different scenarios and evaluate the performance of a structure under various conditions. Structural analysis, energy simulations, thermal comfort analysis, and other assessments can be conducted to optimize design decisions and operational strategies. Building Information Modeling (BIM) software can be utilized to create detailed 3D models of the structure and its components. BIM models can be integrated with other data sources to enhance the accuracy and completeness of the digital twin.
To make your structural model more realistic and responsive, you need to integrate sensors and data sources that can provide real-time and accurate information about your structure. For example, you can use sensors that can measure and monitor various parameters of your structure, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, deformation, and stress. You can also use data sources that can provide contextual and environmental information about your structure, such as weather, traffic, occupancy, and events. By integrating sensors and data sources, you can create a digital twin that can mirror and simulate the behavior and condition of your structure, as well as enable predictive and preventive maintenance.
To make your structural model more realistic and responsive, you need to integrate sensors and data sources that can provide real-time and accurate information about your structure. For example, you can use sensors that can measure and monitor various parameters of your structure, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, deformation, and stress. You can also use data sources that can provide contextual and environmental information about your structure, such as weather, traffic, occupancy, and events. By integrating sensors and data sources, you can create a digital twin that can mirror and simulate the behavior and condition of your structure, as well as enable predictive and preventive maintenance.
Collect real-time data on environmental conditions, structural health, energy usage, and occupant behavior by installing sensors and internet devices throughout the structure. You can use sensors that can measure and monitor various parameters of your structure, such as temperature, humidity, vibration, deformation, stress, weather, traffic, and occupancy. The sensor data feeds into the digital twin and enables predictive analytics as well as condition-based maintenance.
Integrating sensors and data sources within the work of analysis or structural design can improve the process of learning more about the material properties used and the load within the structure, where this understanding will lead to improve the role of using engineering software for simulation problems, which will lead to more economical strategies for the design and analysis of any complicated structure
Before you deploy your structural model for digital twin and virtual reality, you need to test and validate its functionality and reliability. For example, you can use simulation and analysis tools that can check and verify the structural performance and safety of your model under various scenarios and conditions. You can also use feedback and evaluation tools that can collect and analyze the user experience and satisfaction of your model. By testing and validating your model, you can identify and correct any errors or issues that may affect its quality and usability, as well as improve its functionality and reliability.
Before you deploy your structural model for digital twin and virtual reality, you need to test and validate its functionality and reliability. For example, you can use simulation and analysis tools that can check and verify the structural performance and safety of your model under various scenarios and conditions. You can also use feedback and evaluation tools that can collect and analyze the user experience and satisfaction of your model. By testing and validating your model, you can identify and correct any errors or issues that may affect its quality and usability, as well as improve its functionality and reliability.
Utilize predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze sensor data and detect potential issues or irregularities before they cause expensive breakdowns. Predictive maintenance strategies play a crucial role in optimizing maintenance schedules, reducing downtime, and extending the lifespan of the structure. To do this, you can implement remote monitoring and control systems that allow engineers to monitor and manage the structure's performance and operations from afar. You can access real-time data and analytics dashboards through web-based interfaces or mobile applications.
Finally, you need to update and maintain your structural model for digital twin and virtual reality, as your structure may change over time due to various factors and events. For example, you need to update your model when you make any modifications or renovations to your structure, such as adding or removing elements, changing materials, or improving systems. You also need to maintain your model when you encounter any damages or failures in your structure, such as cracks, leaks, or collapses. By updating and maintaining your model, you can ensure that it reflects the current and accurate status and condition of your structure, as well as enhance its longevity and durability.
How often have you gone to start a project at an existing building or facility and ask for existing drawings? And how often have those drawings been 1) readily available and 2) up to date? Very rarely in my experience. We must learn from the past and ensure that our more modern, digital "drawings" are accurate, available, and, most importantly, up to date. The hardest part of doing that is having someone dedicated to maintaining it. Having a model admin will help ensure that changes are captured and are captured appropriately and not on some model that someone copied from a different copy 5 years ago. Data integrity is key to the longevity and durability of your model.
Finally, you need to update and maintain your structural model for digital twin and virtual reality, as your structure may change over time due to various factors and events. For example, you need to update your model when you make any modifications or renovations to your structure, such as adding or removing elements, changing materials, or improving systems. You also need to maintain your model when you encounter any damages or failures in your structure, such as cracks, leaks, or collapses. By updating and maintaining your model, you can ensure that it reflects the current and accurate status and condition of your structure, as well as enhance its longevity and durability.
Structural engineers can benefit greatly from adopting a culture of continuous improvement for their digital twin models. They can achieve this by continuously updating and refining the model based on new data, feedback, and insights gathered throughout the structure's lifecycle. This approach will enable engineers to optimize structures for digital twin and VR technologies, unlocking new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability across the entire lifecycle of the built environment.
Always have creative aspects in mind.Finding and comparing various ways for the one solution and choosing the best is another way to reach to the target.