Addressing the Conceptual Challenges in the Process of Updating the Geometry of Digital Twins of Built Assets

Abstract: Maintaining an up-to-date Digital Twin for built assets is critical to its effective use. The virtual model, which reflects an asset’s real geometry, requires continuous reliability assurance and high fidelity. However, the link between physical structures and their digital counterparts remains under-researched due to the technical and conceptual challenges of updating geometric data. This paper aims to identify and systematically analyze these conceptual issues. The Design Science Research methodology is used as a basic approach, resulting in the formulation of a theoretical framework. Applying this framework to case studies enhances understanding of geometry’s impact on Digital Twin performance.