Towards the development of a Digital Twin: A comparative study of 3D data acquisition methods for mechanical and electrical assets

Linka, P.; Kettle, T.; Leon, M.; Laing, R.

Abstract

Point clouds and photogrammetry are becoming a quasi-standard as representation tools for capturing existing assets condition and for monitoring the progress and development of new assets. This is apparent to several industries related to construction and manufacturing, including among other infrastructure and energy sectors. These industries face immense pressures to develop the Digital Twin, with significant momentum and extensive research and development being currently undertaken on this topic, focusing on technologies, processes and projects' requirements.

Existing software and online systems and platforms are currently available that can host and integrate the 3D collected data with cloud-based database applications, allowing projects' sharing, viewing, delivery and operation of the assets; these systems are being defined as Visual Asset Management (VAM) solutions. VAM systems can also provide a platform that integrates multiple visual data sources, including Building Information Modelling data, associated asset documentation and photographic records of the assets. Commercial projects that aim to develop a digital twin, focusing primarily on small scale mechanical and electrical assets reverse engineering processes, often utilize faster approaches to 3D data acquisition, like photogrammetry, for cost control and efficiency. However, these types of projects frequently require advanced levels of accuracy that is not often achieved with conventional 3D data acquisition methods.

The research contribution and innovative aspects of this research are focused on conducting a comparative study between the application of multi-image spherical photogrammetry (MISP), a process not typically utilised in 3D data collection, 3D scanning and total station data for very high-accuracy 3D data collection of small scale assets, thus gaining in speed of data collection. The case study involves an Oil and Gas Training Facility, in Aberdeenshire UK, where both a qualitative and quantitative analysis will be undertaken for comparing the 3D collected data. Based on this comparison, an evaluation of the 3D data collection techniques and methods is compiled, followed by the analysis of the developed point clouds. According to that, indicators are proposed to support decision making in terms of accuracy, level of detail and suitability for smaller scale and highly technical projects.

The findings demonstrate that spherical photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning can be used independently or in combination, depending on the project specifics, for ensuring assets accuracy and reliability of information for operations and maintenance, with the parameters of clients' requirements, quality, time and cost having a significant impact on the level of detail that can be provided.

This project proposes a step change in how we consider 3D data acquisition for technical and small-scale projects with a broader impact on developing reverse engineering processes for achieving
the Digital Twin.

Citation

Linka, P., Kettle, T., Leon, M., & Laing, R. (2019). Towards the development of a Digital Twin: A comparative study of 3D data acquisition methods for mechanical and electrical assets. In Proceedings of the 36th CIB W78 2019 Conference Advances in ICT in Design, Construction and Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) (244-253)

• Conference Name: 36th CIB W78 2019 Conference Advances in ICT in Design, Construction and Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO)
• Conference Location: Northumbria University, Newcastle
• Start Date: Sep 18, 2019
• End Date: Sep 20, 2019
• Acceptance Date: May 1, 2019
• Publication Date: Sep 18, 2019
• Deposit Date: May 4, 2022
• Pages: 244-253
• Book Title: Proceedings of the 36th CIB W78 2019 Conference Advances in ICT in Design, Construction and Management in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO)
• ISBN: 9781861354877
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9210686
• Publisher URL: https://research.tees.ac.uk/en/publications/advances-in-ict-in-design-construction-and-management-in-architec