Predictive Maintenance for Civil Infrastructure - Digital Twin-IoT-Blockchain Framework
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Abstract
The research project proposes the exploration of an innovative approach to improve the safety and efficiency of the built heritage in the construction sector through the combined adoption of blockchain technology, internet of things and digital twins. The objective of this study is the design of an intelligent technological system to secure the existing built heritage by planning its preventive maintenance interventions. Through the acquisition of real-time data, the proposed approach aims to predict potential safety risks and optimise maintenance interventions, thus ensuring public safety and the preservation of the built heritage. The research methodology involves a thorough literature review to identify similar existing studies on the use of blockchain, IoT and digital twins technologies in the construction sector. Interviews, surveys and comparisons with industry professionals will also be conducted to obtain an efficient and effective framework for our specific context. One of the key points of the research is the integration of blockchain technology for authentication and secure data storage. Since IoT sensors generate a large amount of data, notarising it on the blockchain could be economically unsustainable. To overcome this problem, a dynamic and automatic data filtering mechanism based on pre-defined threshold parameters is proposed. Only relevant data exceeding these thresholds will trigger alerts and be simultaneously authenticated on the blockchain. This real-time data collection is further integrated with a digital twin model, allowing for an immediate reading of detected criticalities. The presented approach, adaptable to various types of infrastructures and structures comprising the built heritage, enables stakeholders to optimise resource management, improve safety and extend the life of the built heritage. In addition to contributing to the academic landscape by providing insights for future research, the research results will provide an overview of the benefits of these technologies to construction professionals for the maintenance and improvement of safety in the built heritage.
