Architecting a BIM-Based Digital Twin Platform for Airport Asset Management: A Model-Based System Engineering with SysML Approach
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 148, Issue 5
Abstract
Airports play an essential role within the transportation and infrastructure sectors. As modernizing and expanding airport infrastructures receive a higher priority, addressing inefficiencies in capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenses (OpEx) through transformative digital ecosystems is gaining an increasing level of interest. Building information modeling (BIM) can form a basis to enable an end-to-end digital delivery platform, where airport life cycle data can be utilized for actionable insights. This study proposes a scalable, novel BIM-based modularized platform architecture based on model-based system engineering (MBSE) principles with systems modeling language (SysML) for optimal collection, integration, management, and utilization of airport critical asset data. This platform architecture aims at acting as a metaframework that enables an airport digital twin through cohesive and structured view of asset life cycle information for insightful actions by major airport stakeholders. Research methodology features an online survey and focus group discussions for data collection; mixed method analysis for data analysis; MBSE with SysML for data mapping; and prototype demonstration and an expert opinion survey for validation. Adopting a scalable BIM-based digital platform is anticipated to result in boosts in business value of airport infrastructures by sustaining value generation in operations and decreasing upfront costs for technology implementation.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are proprietary or confidential in nature and may only be provided with restrictions. The nature of the information provided by airport authorities can lead to certain restrictions for data availability. Accordingly, online survey data used during the study can only be provided as anonymized data upon request.
Acknowledgments
This project was partially funded by the Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) [ACRP 11-04 (Graduate Research Award)], which supported the data collection efforts. The authors would also like to acknowledge invaluable technical guidance and support provided by Mr. Eric Wing, Mr. Zachary Eager, and the Autodesk Forge Team.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 148 • Issue 5 • May 2022
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 9, 2021
Accepted: Jan 11, 2022
Published online: Mar 11, 2022
Published in print: May 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Aug 11, 2022
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