The Ontario government has announced that they will be testing the use of digital twins for important infrastructure projects in the province, including hospitals, highways, and transit systems. Digital twins are virtual models of existing and planned assets that can help identify and solve problems before construction begins.
The use of digital twins is expected to reduce the risk of delays and cost overruns by providing a detailed model of the project, allowing for better planning and decision-making. This technology can also be used to identify potential issues with utility systems, such as electrical, water, gas, and wastewater services.
Three key projects have been chosen to test the digital modelling technology: the Trillium Health Partners’ Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital redevelopment, the Ontario Place rebuild, and the Eglinton Crosstown West Extension. These projects were selected due to their complex utility systems.
By creating digital twins for these projects, workers can avoid costly and dangerous conflicts during construction by identifying and mapping the location of underground utilities in a virtual model. This technology is expected to improve worker safety, save money, and ensure that infrastructure projects are completed successfully.
