The implementation of an advanced digital twin for the M25 has significantly enhanced operational efficiency.
- This innovative project, managed by Sensat in partnership with major infrastructure companies, covers 450km of the M25.
- A comprehensive dataset of 112 billion data points facilitates precise asset analysis and planning.
- The digital twin enables remote asset validation, reducing the need for extensive on-site visits.
- Economic and safety benefits are evident as it supports major upgrades and ongoing projects.
The cutting-edge digital twin of the M25, described as the ‘world’s most detailed,’ is transforming the operational efficiency of Connect Plus Services. This initiative involves a collaboration between industry leaders such as Balfour Beatty and Egis, alongside Sensat, to map 450km of the M25 with remarkable accuracy using 112 billion data points stored in a 13-terabyte dataset.
Sensat employed advanced techniques like UAV photogrammetry and mobile LiDAR mapping to develop a highly detailed digital twin that offers up to 50mm resolution. Such precision supports a range of critical activities, extending beyond the roadway to include soft estate areas, enhancing holistic infrastructure management.
Over 160 workers from Connect Plus are leveraging this digital twin to conduct remote asset validation, dramatically minimising the need for physical site visits. This strategic reduction not only enhances safety by limiting workforce exposure to live traffic but also streamlines operational workflows.
The digital twin facilitates early identification of potential hazards, allowing for proactive planning and safer project execution. Its utility in improving desktop studies has led to enhanced project coordination by detecting clashes beforehand, thereby minimising unnecessary work and optimising resources.
According to Angus Murray, CEO of Connect Plus, the digital twin plays a pivotal role in decision-making and work planning, promoting safer and more reliable journeys while mitigating traffic disruption. National Highways’ major projects, including a £317 million upgrade to junction 10 and a £170 million upgrade to junction 28, benefit from this technological advancement.
Beyond operational improvements, the digital twin offers a substantial return on investment over the contract’s five-year duration. James Dean, CEO of Sensat, highlights its role in streamlining project timelines, enhancing safety standards, and reducing the environmental impact of infrastructure management.
The M25 digital twin exemplifies innovation in infrastructure management, significantly enhancing efficiency and safety.
