Digital twin for digital asset management: Asset information model characteristics and digital capabilities for smart functions, sydney metro case study

Batarseh, Shadi (2024) Digital twin for digital asset management: Asset information model characteristics and digital capabilities for smart functions, sydney metro case study. PhD thesis, University of New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

This PhD thesis investigates the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in addressing the information management challenges in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. As infrastructure projects grow in complexity, understanding the information requirements for systems engineering and creating a functional Asset Information Model (AIM) is crucial for maintaining data integrity and interoperability across all phases of a project. From the perspective of Digital Engineering (DE), BIM-enabled Digital Asset Management (DAM) emerges as a preferred solution, facilitating the integration of diverse systems data throughout the entire asset lifecycle, from initial design to construction, handover, and ultimately, operation and maintenance.The research utilized semi-structured interviews with key professionals in Asset Management team within Sydney Metro organization, to gather insights on the challenges and opportunities presented by BIM and DE in asset management. A thematic analysis of the data revealed critical patterns related to the effective use of BIM for Digital Asset Management. The study developed a methodological approach to capture and harness digital enablers that transform objective functions into smart functions within asset management. These digital enablers, including technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics, are essential for advancing asset management toward smarter, more efficient practices.The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of how BIM and DE can be strategically applied to enhance Digital Asset Management in complex infrastructure projects. By offering a structured framework for information management, this thesis emphasizes the need for consistency and accuracy in managing asset data across all stages of its lifecycle. The research outcomes provide practical insights for industry professionals and policymakers, underscoring the importance of adopting a systematic approach to digital asset management. This study ultimately highlights the potential of BIM and DE technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, and interoperability in managing infrastructure assets through the integration of smart functions and digital enablers.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Haeusler, M Hank and Plume, Jim
Uncontrolled Keywords: accuracy; asset management; building information modelling; case study; complexity; digital twin; information management; integration; interoperability; lifecycle; operation and maintenance; sustainability; systems engineering; thematic analysis
Index terms: interview, operation and maintenance, big data, complexity, integrity, infrastructure project, thematic analysis, case study, efficiency, building information modelling, accuracy, digital twin, systems engineering, asset management, interoperability, lifecycle, integration, internet
Subjects: digital engineering, health safety and environment, project delivery, performance management, systems and processes, computing systems, maintenance engineering, asset management, methods and analysis, information systems, professional development, systems engineering, organizational analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, data collection methods
Topics: Organizational Design, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Digital Applications, Quality Management, Project Management, Health and Safety, Research Practice, Business Strategy
Descriptive scope: 4 PCEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here