In the heart of the UK, researchers at the University of Birmingham are revolutionizing how we think about the lifecycle of bridge infrastructures. Led by Sakdirat Kaewunruen, a senior lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, a groundbreaking study has been published that could significantly impact the construction and energy sectors. The research, focusing on digital twin-driven strategic demolition plans, aims to enhance circular asset management and reduce the environmental footprint of bridge infrastructures.
The study, published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’ (translated to English means ‘Scientific Reports’), introduces an innovative approach to managing the lifecycle of bridge infrastructures using Building Information Modeling (BIM). By incorporating additional dimensions of time, cost, and carbon emissions into a three-dimensional architectural BIM, the researchers have created a comprehensive digital twin (DT) that virtualizes the entire lifecycle performance of bridge infrastructure.
Kaewunruen explains, “Our digital twin is designed to quantify and optimize the lifecycle cost and carbon footprint of demolition scenarios. This allows us to identify better alternative solutions for construction and maintenance, ultimately aiming for carbon neutrality and carbon credit.”
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the demand for sustainable practices grows, the ability to manage the lifecycle of infrastructures in a circular manner becomes increasingly important. The digital twin developed by Kaewunruen and his team can help in minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse, repurpose, and recycling of materials, parts, and components. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also offers significant cost savings.
One of the key findings of the study is that the construction stage of an asset’s lifecycle is the main contributor to carbon emissions and costs. This highlights the need for strategic demolition planning to ensure that materials can be reused or recycled at the end of an asset’s life. Kaewunruen’s digital twin is capable of dealing with cradle-to-cradle lifecycle management, providing a holistic approach to sustainable construction.
The use of BIM-based digital twins also offers co-benefits such as streamlining design, reducing re-work, mitigating risks, and enabling real-time processing of design changes. This can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions, costs, and time schedules, making the construction process more efficient and sustainable.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, the research conducted by Kaewunruen and his team at the University of Birmingham could shape future developments in the field. By providing a comprehensive tool for managing the lifecycle of bridge infrastructures, the digital twin-driven strategic demolition plan offers a pathway to a more circular and sustainable economy.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant to the energy sector, where the demand for sustainable practices is high. The ability to manage the lifecycle of infrastructures in a circular manner can help in reducing the environmental impact of energy production and consumption, making it a valuable tool for energy companies looking to adopt more sustainable practices.
In an era where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword but a necessity, Kaewunruen’s research offers a practical solution to one of the biggest challenges facing the construction and energy sectors. By providing a comprehensive tool for managing the lifecycle of bridge infrastructures, the digital twin-driven strategic demolition plan offers a pathway to a more sustainable future. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the need for such innovative solutions will only continue to grow.
