Creating a Modular Digital Twin Platform for Steel Infrastructures
Problem Statement
Most of the steel bridges in the Netherlands have been built after 1960 and are aging. These bridges require increased attention and maintenance to ensure safety and availability while keeping the costs manageable. The first step to maintaining these critical infrastructures is assessing them. However, traditional methods are slow, difficult, objective, and prone to human error. It is believed that applying state-of-the-art technologies, such as AI and extended reality (XR), to the process can improve it. These new technologies can increase the speed, ease, accuracy, and objectivity of inspection. Additionally, these digital twins can also track the components of infrastructures separately to not only assess the structural integrity of these components and the superstructure but also to ensure the sustainability and circularity of the materials. The first step in realizing these improvements is the digital transformation of the inspection process through digital twins.
Task
This project involves designing a modular digital twin platform for steel infrastructures, such as bridges. Using containerization, the platform will host modular components for various tasks, making it adaptable to diverse infrastructures. Key tasks include:
- Container-Based Platform: Developing a modular framework using containers to encapsulate modules, including a database, APIs, and real-time sensor Integration.
- Web-Based GUI: Creating an interactive GUI featuring interactive 3D model visualization (3D model is already available), real-time monitoring, and a dashboard.
- AI/XR Integration: AI/XR functionalities are not the topic of this project. Sample AI models and XR (AR and VR) applications will be provided. The platform should be able to integrate and run these applications.
- Synchronization: The digital twin platform should mirror its physical counterpart. Thus, clear mechanisms for updating and synchronizing different aspects of the digital twin should be offered.
Target Student
This project is open to both Bachelor’s (BSc) and Master’s (MSc) students. Students are welcome to take on only a specific part of the project that aligns with their interests or background. Tasks can be split or combined as needed to match the workload and expertise of the students involved.
Contact
- Main supervisor: Berend-Jan van der Zwaag(b.j.vanderzwaag@utwente.nl)
- Daily supervisors: Ali Sabzi Khoshraftar(a.sabzikhoshraftar@utwente.nl), Gwen Qin(gwen.qin@utwente.nl)