Digital twin for 3D interactive building operations : integrating BIM, IoT-enabled building automation systems, AI, and mixed reality

Abstract

Digital Twin (DT) technology has emerged as a next-generation smart building management solution, seamlessly bridging traditional Building Automation Systems (BAS) with Industry 4.0 innovations such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and Extended Reality (XR). However, current DT applications in building operations remain nascent, challenged by multi-source data integration, technology interoperability, and visualization interface development. This study proposes a five-layer DT architecture integrating BIM, BAS, IoT, AI, and MR for 3D interactive building operations, implemented on a typical floor of a high-rise office building incorporating its central air conditioning system. The DT demonstrated both on-site and remote capabilities, including BIM visualization, mapping and navigation, indoor environment monitoring, portable HVAC system monitoring and control, and AI-empowered optimization. These capabilities represent significant advantages in terms of operation management, work efficiency, operator experience and response speed.