In a groundbreaking stride towards revolutionizing infrastructure management, a team of researchers led by Rubén Muñoz Pavón from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid has successfully developed a Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based digital twin for the management of a railway station. This innovative approach not only overcomes traditional barriers to BIM implementation but also paves the way for smarter, more efficient infrastructure management, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The research, published in the Journal of Civil Engineering and Management (Statybos ir Inžinerijos Vadyba in Lithuanian), focuses on the northern covering and new building of the Bidebieta-Basauri passenger station in the Basque Country, Spain. The project demonstrates how BIM can be leveraged to create a digital twin (DT) of the built environment, providing full accessibility to BIM benefits, especially during the infrastructure management phase.
Muñoz Pavón and his team tackled the challenges of hardware and software requirements, as well as BIM skills and education, by integrating BIM information with external functionalities such as real-time data and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies. This integration allows for a more comprehensive and intelligent management system, enhancing the operational efficiency of railway stations.
“The main aim was to overcome those implementation barriers providing full accessibility to BIM benefits,” said Muñoz Pavón, highlighting the project’s innovative approach. By linking BIM with IoT, Big Data, and Cloud Computing, the team created a BIM-based online web platform that offers full access to the BIM model of the infrastructure. This platform enables real-time data queries and other advanced functionalities, which are crucial for the intelligent management of railway stations.
The implications of this research extend beyond the railway sector. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit significantly from the integration of BIM and IoT technologies. Smart energy management systems can be developed to monitor and optimize energy consumption in large infrastructure projects, leading to substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
“This research shows the technical aspects of the implementation of BIM information as well as the external functionalities,” Muñoz Pavón explained. The integration of BIM with IoT and other technologies not only enhances the management of railway stations but also sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects. The use of digital twins can lead to more efficient and sustainable construction practices, ultimately benefiting the entire AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations) sector.
As the world moves towards smarter and more sustainable infrastructure, the research conducted by Muñoz Pavón and his team represents a significant step forward. The BIM-based digital twin developed for the Bidebieta-Basauri passenger station serves as a model for future projects, demonstrating the potential of integrating BIM with IoT and other advanced technologies. This innovative approach is poised to shape the future of infrastructure management, offering new opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings across various sectors, including energy.