The use of innovative technologies like the digital twin to improve building processes and end results are becoming increasingly popular as the construction industry evolves. One Nigerian graduate is setting the pace in the field of construction management at the University of Florida in the United States.
Christian Abugu, who holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been diligently working to implement digital twin technologies in the construction sector. Christian is passionately looking for new ways to apply sustainability and innovation practices to construction in order to streamline operations, cut down on waste, and create more efficient and sustainable buildings.
The concept of a “Digital twin” involves developing a virtual copy of a physical asset (such as a machine or a building) whereby both the real and virtual models are linked for the purpose of analysis and system optimization. Engineers and project managers may run what-if scenarios, fine-tune designs, and spot problems long before construction ever begins, and as a result, reduce project completion time, reduce costs, and improve the overall quality of the final product.
Working with a variety of digital twin tools and platforms such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR) environments, and simulation software, Christian Abugu combines these tools with his expertise in civil engineering and construction management to develop new ideas that can potentially optimize resources, workflows, and create more sustainable buildings.
In the United States, Christian Abugu is currently teaming up with a number of industry professionals and professors at the University of Florida to promote the use of these tools in construction. Together, they have been exploring new applications of digital twin technologies and how they can be integrated into existing construction processes.
“Digital twin technologies are the future of construction,” Christian explains. “We can cut down on waste, save time, and build more sustainable infrastructures if we have a virtual space in which to test and optimize our designs. I’m excited to be at the forefront of this innovation and to help shape the future of the industry.”
Christian Abugu is also working with a construction company, Damiton Engineering in Nigeria to implement Digital Twin in one of the company’s construction sites, which will allow them to test different scenarios and optimize their processes before and during construction. Doing so will reduce construction time and material needs while simultaneously making the structure more efficient and environmentally friendly.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, it is clear that digital twin technologies will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the industry. With innovators like Christian Abugu leading the way, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the years to come.
