Asset Coupling
The development and/or maintenance of digital assets so they accurately match the physical Assets they represent. Asset Coupling translates changes in one asset (e.g. a change in the state or location of a component in real space) to changes in the coupled asset (in virtual space). Asset Coupling is applicable by Asset Scale – components are coupled with components, systems with systems, etc. - and varies according to Coupling Level…Also refer to Digital Twin
- BIM/IOT Interfacing
A Model Use representing how BIModels are used as an interface for the Internet of Things, a network of equipment, sensors, wearables, and benefit from the data feeds for Building Automation, Real-time Utilization and Asset Tracking
- Coupling Level
A BIMe Metric that describes the extent of connectedness between a physical Asset and its Digital Twin as a result of Asset Coupling. An elevated Coupling Level (CLevel) indicates real-time mirroring of changes, while a base level indicates a delayed or partial change. There are four CLevels: (0) No Coupling; (1) Low Coupling; (2) Medium Coupling; (3) Medium-High Coupling; and (4) High Coupling - Mirroring
- Cyber-physical System
A system in which computational, communication and physical components interact through sensing, monitoring and control to achieve a defined purpose.
- Digital Asset
A 3D model, document, or data set that simulates or replicates a Physical Asset. A Digital Asset may enable the delivery of a Physical Asset or may be generated out of a Physical Asset
- Digital Twin
A set of digital assets – models, documents and data sets - that mirror a physical Asset for part/whole of the Asset Life Cycle. In the Construction Industry, a Digital Twin typically refers to a data-rich 3D model – of a building for example - that represents, reacts to, and can cause changes in the Physical Twin, the actual building. Through Asset Coupling, the connection between the two twins can be either (i) one-way or (ii) two-way, (a) synchronous or (b) asynchronous, depending on their Coupling Level. Higher coupling – through two-way connectedness of BIModels with live sensors, cameras, scanners and Building Management Systems - allows a twin to adjust itself according to the information received from the other. As a simple example, opening a door in one, will open the door in the other. More useful examples include (1) the ability to utilise the Digital Twin to monitor and control the mechanical and environmental performance of its Physical Twin; and (2) the real-time synchronisation of digital assets to match any changes in corresponding physical assets
- Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of 'smart' objects embedded with computer chips, software and sensors. These objects are connected to each other and can exchange data with their manufacturer, operator and ad-hoc networks/systems...Also refer to BIM/IoT Interfacing
- Physical Asset
A tangible item of transactional value. A physical Asset can be of any Asset Scale, a single pump, a drainage system, or a whole water-treatment facility
- Real-time Utilisation
A Model Use representing how 3D models are used to display information fed in real-time from sensors distributed around a building or site. Information may include current occupancy, temperature, humidity, toxicity and energy consumption…Also refer to Building Management Systems and Internet of Things
- Structural Health Monitoring
A Model Use where 3D models are used to identify current structural health - and potential structural damage - by interpreting data streams from photos, radars, Wi-Fi signals, laser scans, or from arrays of sensors installed on/within a structure (e.g. bridge or dam). Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is conducted to check the health of a structure against the inevitable effects of ageing and potential degradation from environmental incidents (e.g. an earthquake) or changing operating environments