A Workflow for a Building Information Modeling-Based Thermo-Hygrometric Digital Twin: An Experimentation in an Existing Building

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based digital twin (DT) could play a fundamental role in overcoming the limitations of traditional monitoring methods by driving the digitalization of the construction sector. While existing studies on the topic have provided valuable insights, significant knowledge gaps remain, which continue to hinder the large-scale adoption of this approach. Moreover, to date, there is no standardized procedure available, able to guide the step-by-step creation of a DT. Another significant challenge concerns the choice of technologies able to integrate perfectly with each other throughout the process. This paper outlines a comprehensive workflow for creating a digital twin (DT) of an existing building and proposes various solutions to improve the integration of different technologies involved. These enhancements aim to address the limitations of current monitoring methods and leverage the advantages of BIM and DT for accessing and managing monitoring data, ultimately facilitating the implementation of energy-efficient interventions. This work examines the concept of “Living Lab” in an office building also used as an academic laboratory. The created DT allowed for real-time remote monitoring of four rooms, each with a different functional and occupational characteristic, useful also for future predictive analyses.