Digital Twin development and implementation for the management of irrigation networks

Digital Twin (DT) developments for design, construction and infrastructure management are gaining presence in both research and practice environments nowadays. Its implementation in many infrastructure types, such as roads, railways, and power transmission lines, have shown important benefits: multidisciplinary coordination, advanced visualisation, analysis, data and project lifecycle management. DT can help decision-making process of project planning, design, construction, and management supported by communication between the physical and the digital assets, in this case, applied to irrigation systems. By leveraging Digital Twins, stakeholders can overcome the challenges with advantages such as accuracy, real-time data access, cost-effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. Nevertheless, infrastructure digitalization not only hosts benefits, also it carries many challenges as the lack of knowledge for its usage, accessibility or interoperability. This study shows an example by deploying an online cloud platform to digitalise a traditional irrigation network located at Alicante University (UA). It also discusses the challenges of traditional design methods, such as coordination issues, limited visualization, and inefficient data management. Furthermore, it emphasizes the benefits of integrated design and collaboration, enhanced visualization, and efficient data management and documentation. This platform provides with critical information to managers and stakeholders of pressurized irrigation networks and decision-makers. With this project, essential data is available, ensuring successful operation and data-backed decisions can be taken. This innovative project has not only addressed the data gathering challenges but has also introduced a new platform for displaying real-time data and incidents management.