Digital twins in bridge engineering for streamlined maintenance and enhanced sustainability

Abstract

Digital twins are evolving to oversee the entire construction life cycle, with a strong emphasis on sustainability across environmental, financial, regulatory, and administrative dimensions. This paper introduces a methodology for managing existing bridges through an adaptable digital twin. The aim of this research is to develop a framework for constructing digital twins that, by enabling structural analysis and “what-if” scenario simulations, supports more reliable maintenance decision-making. Such type of digital twin ensure safety, extend lifespan, and provide a precise database for managing end-of-life processes within a circular “cradle to cradle” framework. This methodology also addresses obsolescence issues related to software evolution and the longer lifespan of a bridge compared to its creator. A case study demonstrates the methodology's effectiveness, showing that digital twins can be flexible, cost-effective tools for managing all types of bridges, including small and existing ones.