During the knowledge and networking event 'The Master Speaks...' on 21 June, Rob Peters and Peter Ritman highlight Digital Twins in infrastructure. A Digital Twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or system. It combines real-time data with models and simulations to provide insight into performance, behaviour and maintenance needs.

As provinces, safety regions and even GGDs, we use digital twins to develop a neighbourhood in scenarios, calculate transport routes for electric transport to inner cities for impact on air quality or plot healthy cycling routes. We are currently trying to design that and looking for set-up options to facilitate that, also with spatial language models (i.e. a visual variant of ChatGPT). A good example is the healthy area development handbook.

How can modern technology transform the world of infrastructure, for example? When designing a bridge, a Digital Twin can be created to simulate and optimise different designs. This ensures that it is built according to requirements and expectations. This is better for the safety, durability and efficiency of the structure.

Inspection of a tunnel or a bridge can be done without disrupting traffic. Virtual tests can be carried out to see how the tunnel responds to different loads, weather conditions and traffic flows or to perform updates on the controls of an object. For maintenance of bridges, tunnels and locks, real-time data can be collected on wear, vibrations and structural changes. Problems can be proactively detected and fixed.

Expect an inspiration session where a number of case studies will be presented on how Digital Twins are being applied in infrastructure:

  • design phase Kennedy Rail Tunnel in Antwerp
  • beatrix Lock maintenance

Interaction with the audience is highly desirable.

You are cordially invited to join the discussion during the presentations and in smaller company at the drinks.

About the speakers
- Rob Peters combines several functions. He supports the digitalisation portfolio of the provinces as strategic advisor information provision at the province of Utrecht, is Chief Information Office at the Kennemerland Safety Region and project manager at the Institute of Physical Safety. He also conducts research on digital middle management at Hogeschool Utrecht.
- Peter Ritman is a system architect at Besix-Unitec. Peter also held several positions at Vialis and VolkerWessels.

This 'Master Speaks' is a collaboration between the province of Utrecht, Besix Unitec, the Master of Informatics - in Applied Data Science and the Master of Informatics - Business & IT

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