As the construction and infrastructure sectors evolve, digital twin technology is proving to be a game-changer in creating more efficient, connected, and sustainable assets. At the Construction Technology Confex, Andrew Smith, Solutions Executive at Bentley Systems, delivered a compelling talk showcasing how real-world digital twin implementations are driving measurable improvements across various industries.
The Power of Digital Twins in Infrastructure
Andrew explored real case studies demonstrating how digital twins are being used to enhance transportation, urban planning, construction efficiency, and maintenance across different regions. Some of the key takeaways included:
Optimizing Transportation Networks – A West European airport shuttle system leveraged digital twins to improve travel efficiency by 15% and cut carbon emissions by 21,000 tons.
Sustainable Rail Infrastructure in Germany – Engineers used digital models to minimize environmental impact while tunneling through geologically sensitive areas
Jakarta’s Rail System – A collaborative digital twin approach saved $185 million in design costs and cut project schedules by 6,000 days.
Melbourne’s Rail Crossing Removal – A live digital twin enabled real-time project tracking, reducing rework by 40% and cutting carbon emissions by 30%.
Smart Asset Management – In Dubai, integrating digital twin data with asset management systems reduced maintenance downtime by 90% and slashed response times by 87%.
AI-Enhanced Bridge Inspections – In North America, AI-powered digital twins for historical bridge assessments have cut inspection time by 30%, enabling predictive maintenance.
A Data-Centric Future
One of the biggest lessons from these projects is the importance of structured, data-driven decision-making. Moving beyond traditional file-based and paper-based workflows, treating data as the core asset enables smarter planning, better resource allocation, and long-term sustainability.
Watch the Full Presentation
To explore how digital twins are transforming infrastructure and unlocking new efficiencies, watch the full presentation by Andrew Smith, Solutions Executive at Bentley Systems.