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Smarter asset management

Digital twins – dynamic virtual representations of physical assets and systems – have existed to varying degrees of complexity in other industries for decades.

Project Digital twin project, Sheffield, England

ClientUrban Flows Observatory, University of Sheffield

ExpertiseSmart infrastructure

Now the infrastructure sector is catching up, providing authorities and asset owners with improved insights and enabling them to make better decisions to provide greater value to citizens. We are working with the Urban Flows Observatory at the University of Sheffield to digitise the city into a 3D model environment, integrating live data on air quality with the aim of providing a clearer barometer of the health of the city. This is a key first step towards creating a comprehensive visualisation, analytics and prediction platform for Sheffield.

Our platform – delivered in line with the Gemini Principles, published by the Centre for Digital Built Britain to guide the development of a national digital twin – is now in a second phase of development to deliver the 3D model and data through a web browser. City-scale twins on an open framework are core to enabling smarter, more sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Poor quality air causes an estimated 500 premature deaths a year in Sheffield and costs the local economy about £160M in lost working days. Replicating thecity infrastructure and air quality conditions, will help academics to better understand the metabolism and health of Sheffield, informing local agencies to make more informed decisions to boost the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors.

£7bn

annual forecast benefits of greater data sharing across the UK infrastructure sector

A digital twin of Sheffield has the potential to bring huge efficiency to the development of new infrastructure and the management of existing assets, providing better value to city authorities and local taxpayers. Improving health outcomes will also reduce reliance on health services, unlocking extra capacity.

By monitoring energy consumption and the flows of heat and air, 3D models can help to adapt infrastructure to secure long-term improvements in air quality and reduce carbon.