By Rob Malkin, A/NZ Senior Regional Director, Bentley Systems
& Matt Gijselman, Director – Infrastructure Policy Advancement (A/NZ), Bentley Systems
Our growing climate challenges mean that the need for resilient infrastructure has never been more important. Smart technology offers a pathway to achieving this resilience. By leveraging digital twins and AI, cities, campuses and even buildings can manage their infrastructure more efficiently, predict and mitigate risks, and foster sustainable development. The implementation of these technologies offers the opportunity to reduce operational costs and improve the quality of life for urban communities. As urban centres continue to expand, the role of smart technology in infrastructure resilience will only become more critical.
The building blocks of smart infrastructure
Well advanced digital twins serve as comprehensive digital replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems, integrating real-time data to optimise performance and predict future outcomes. Far from being only 3D models, digital twins function as master data managers that provide a holistic view of infrastructure systems. This technology enables cities to transition from reactive to proactive management. By simulating various scenarios, digital twins can allow for better planning and response strategies. Furthermore, they can facilitate more efficient resource allocation, ensuring that cities can adapt to changing conditions and demands.
AI and machine learning are pivotal in analysing vast amounts of data to predict infrastructure failures, optimise maintenance schedules, and ensure efficient resource utilisation. By leveraging these technologies, cities can foresee potential issues and address them before they escalate into significant problems. This predictive capability is crucial in reducing downtime, managing costs, and improving the overall resilience of infrastructure systems[i]. Additionally, AI-driven insights can enhance decision-making processes, leading to smarter investments in infrastructure.
Collaborative efforts: The key to success
The integration of smart technology into infrastructure management requires a collaborative approach involving policymakers, engineers, technologists, and community stakeholders. Such collaboration ensures that the unique needs of communities are addressed, and the benefits of advanced technologies are maximised. Collaborative frameworks foster innovation and drive the successful implementation of complex infrastructure projects. By engaging diverse perspectives, these efforts can lead to more inclusive and sustainable urban development.
An example of this collaboration in action is the Digital Twin Consortium, a significant global initiative which exemplifies the power of collaboration in urban planning and development. By leveraging cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, the consortium integrates data from multiple sources to create comprehensive digital twins. These digital twins enable cities to support a more sustainable approach to urban development[ii].
Resiliency in infrastructure design
Resiliency in infrastructure design is a key principle for future urban development. Cities must be equipped to withstand and recover from disruptions, whether they are natural disasters or infrastructural failures. Digital twins play a crucial role in this regard, providing dynamic, real-time representations of infrastructure that allow cities to anticipate and swiftly respond to potential issues. Resilient design principles also incorporate sustainability, ensuring that urban development can meet present and future needs. By prioritising resiliency, cities can build stronger, more adaptable infrastructure systems.
Bentley Systems' collaboration with the Digital Twin Consortium highlights the importance of these technologies. By utilising Azure cloud services, Bentley's digital twins incorporate data from various sources to provide a cohesive view of urban infrastructure. This holistic approach ensures that cities can manage their assets effectively and sustainably, enhancing their resilience to future challenges.
Case study: Port Authority of New South Wales
A compelling case study that illustrates the power of digital twins in enhancing infrastructure resilience is Port Authority of New South Wales (PANSW)[iii]. PANSW adopted digital twin technology to manage its seaport assets, which encompass Sydney Harbour, Port Botany, Newcastle, Yamba, Port Kembla, Eden, and other critical maritime infrastructure. This strategic integration has significantly improved safety, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
By implementing digital twins, PANSW has reduced the need for physical site visits by 30%, resulting in annual cost savings of approximately AUD 1.5 million. The technology's real-time data integration allows for accurate monitoring and maintenance scheduling, which has led to a 25% reduction in unplanned maintenance activities. This predictive maintenance capability is crucial in minimising operational disruptions and ensuring the smooth functioning of port operations.
The enhanced data accuracy provided by digital twins facilitates improved decision-making across departments. For example, by visualizing assets and operations in a digital twin, the property team can gain a clearer understanding of how their leases may impact marine operations. The finance team can see the location of specific assets within the ports. This allows for better communication and collaboration across all departments within PANSW, including finance, maintenance teams, field personnel, and harbour master teams.
The environmental benefits of adopting digital twin technology are equally significant. PANSW has used the digital twin's capabilities to monitor and manage its environmental impact, leading to a 15% reduction in carbon emissions from port operations. The technology has also enabled more effective water quality monitoring and management, contributing to the preservation of the local marine ecosystem.
The success of this initiative underscores the value of digital twins in large-scale infrastructure projects. It demonstrates how smart technology can drive significant improvements in operational performance and environmental stewardship.
Practical implementation: A blueprint for success
To realise the full potential of smart technology in enhancing infrastructure resilience, cities should consider a strategic approach that includes:
- Integration of Digital Twins: Implementing digital twins across various infrastructure systems to provide a comprehensive, real-time view of urban environments[iv].
- Leveraging AI and Machine Learning: Using AI and machine learning to analyse data, predict issues, and optimise maintenance and operations.
- Fostering Collaboration: Engaging diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, engineers, technologists, and community members, to ensure inclusive and effective infrastructure planning and management.
- Adopting Cloud-Based Solutions: Utilising cloud platforms to integrate data from multiple sources, ensuring seamless and scalable management of infrastructure systems.
Conclusion
The integration of smart technology and collaborative efforts is essential for enhancing infrastructure resilience. By leveraging digital twins, AI, and other advanced technologies, cities can transition to proactive management, anticipate and mitigate risks, and foster sustainable development. This approach addresses the immediate challenges of urbanisation while preparing cities for future uncertainties, ensuring a resilient and sustainable urban environment for all residents.
By embracing these advancements, policymakers and urban planners can transform their cities into centres of innovation and sustainability, setting a global standard for resilient infrastructure management. The use of digital twins and AI facilitates a more dynamic and responsive approach to urban planning, enabling better preparation for natural disasters and other disruptions. This capability is crucial in the face of climate change, where extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe.
Fostering collaboration among stakeholders—including government agencies, private sector partners, and community members—ensures that infrastructure solutions are inclusive and equitable. Such collaboration helps address the diverse needs of urban populations and promotes the development of infrastructure that supports economic growth, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.
Integrating smart technology and collaborative efforts is pivotal for achieving resilient infrastructure. By harnessing the power of digital twins, AI, and other advanced technologies, cities can move towards a proactive and sustainable approach to urban management.
[i] https://investors.bentley.com/news-releases/news-release-details/bentley-systems-accelerates-focus-infrastructure-engineering
[ii] https://www.bentley.com/events/going-digital-awards/going-digital-awards-2022
[iii] https://www.bentley.com/esdg/story/port-authority-of-new-south-wales-a-case-study-in-digital-transformation
[iv] https://www.cdbb.cam.ac.uk/files/flourishing-systems_revised_200908.pdf
