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.

中文翻译：

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桥梁工程中的数字孪生，可简化维护流程并提高可持续性


数字孪生正在不断发展以监督整个建筑生命周期，并特别强调环境、财务、监管和行政方面的可持续性。本文介绍了一种通过适应性强的数字孪生管理现有桥梁的方法。本研究的目的是开发一个构建数字孪生的框架，通过实现结构分析和“假设”场景模拟，支持更可靠的维护决策。这种类型的数字孪生可确保安全、延长使用寿命，并提供精确的数据库，用于在圆形的“从摇篮到摇篮”框架内管理报废流程。这种方法还解决了与软件发展相关的过时问题，以及与 bridge 创建者相比，其使用寿命更长。案例研究证明了该方法的有效性，表明数字孪生可以成为管理所有类型的桥梁（包括小型和现有桥梁）的灵活、经济高效的工具。