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In this episode, I talk with Michael Warren, Sr., AIA, NCARB, CDT, LEED AP, associate vice president, BIM director-transportation, and director of digital practice & technology innovation (SME) at AECOM. We dive into how to implement digital twins in transportation solutions, breaking down misconceptions and exploring how they’re revolutionizing transportation infrastructure, from cutting-edge advancements like generative design to the power of AI.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Michael:
- What common misconceptions have you come across about digital twins in the AEC industry?
- How would you define a digital twin in transportation infrastructure, and what are its main purposes or functions?
- Can you provide examples of how digital twins have been successfully used in transportation projects, and also clear up any myths or misunderstandings?
- What key challenges do professionals face when implementing digital twin solutions in infrastructure projects, and how can they be overcome?
- In your experience, how important is data accuracy and quality for the success of digital twin implementations, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects?
- Have any recent technological advancements or innovations greatly improved the capabilities or performance of digital twins?
- How do you envision the future of digital twins evolving in the AEC industry, especially for transportation infrastructure?
- What final piece of advice would you give to engineers navigating the fast-changing technology and innovation in the AEC industry?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Implement Digital Twins for Smarter Transportation Solutions:
- Many people mistakenly think of digital twins as just 3D models, when in reality, the 3D model is simply a container for vast amounts of data. The digital twin is a virtual environment that replicates the real-world asset, containing information far beyond just visual representation.
- A digital twin in transportation infrastructure is a detailed virtual environment that contains data about assets like bridges or highways. Its main functions include ensuring accuracy in construction, visualizing project impacts for public outreach, managing sequencing, and tracking progress for just-in-time deliveries and payment.
- In a Michigan dewatering tunnel project, the digital twin was used to simulate designs, monitor construction in real-time, and deliver an accurate 3D as-built model. This demonstrated that digital twins go beyond 3D models, helping to manage construction and avoid conflicts during the project lifecycle.
- One of the main challenges is siloed data and the lack of a unified approach within different departments. Overcoming this requires integrating data from multiple sources into a single database and using tools like Power BI to customize and visualize that information for effective decision-making.
- Data accuracy and quality are critical to the success of digital twins. They ensure that elements like bridge structures, highway grading, and sequencing are modeled precisely, which reduces errors, improves project efficiency, and enhances long-term asset management.
- Generative design has been a game-changer, allowing faster and more efficient design iterations. Combined with AI and machine learning, it enables digital twins to optimize infrastructure design and construction, leading to better project outcomes.
- The future of digital twins will see larger datasets, reality capture technology like nerfs, and AI integration for asset management. This will enable fully immersive 3D environments, where infrastructure elements such as highways, bridges, and signage are managed in real-time.
- Engineers should embrace digital tools and not be afraid to explore new technologies. It’s important to understand that these tools aren’t replacing traditional methods but transforming them to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and innovation in design and construction.
More Details in This Episode…
About Michael Warren, Sr., AIA, NCARB, CDT, LEED AP
Mr. Warren’s primary roles with AECOM are serving as the associate vice president, BIM director-transportation, and director of digital practice & technology innovation (SME) for the mid-Atlantic region of the Americas as well as AECOM’s North American transportation asset management information modeling lead and North American civil infrastructure information modeling (CIIM) lead.
In his primary roles, Michael develops, implements, and manages project delivery standards, collaboration protocols, automated QA/QC of design standards, and digital data systems integration for all market segments and affiliated business lines and associated design disciplines. Areas of focus are market sector operations and delivery standardization, the development and implementation of information modeling initiatives, research, and development of technology stacks, as well as providing business development pursuit technical assistance.
About the Host: Nick Heim, P.E.
Nick Heim, P.E., is a civil engineer with six years of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures, and host of the AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast (AECTECH), where he brings valuable insights and expertise to listeners worldwide.
Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?” Nick can be found on LinkedIn, producing content about use of technologies in his civil engineering career and small business.
Sources/References:
AECOM
ISO 19650
MDOT
Power BI
NVIDIA
Connect with Michael Warren, Sr., AIA, NCARB, CDT, LEED AP, on LinkedIn
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how you implement digital twins for smarter transportation solutions.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
To your success,
Nick Heim, P.E.
Host of the AEC Engineering and Technology Podcast
