MatchFEM: A Computational Design Assistant Tool for Digital Twins of Buildings and Infrastructure

Abstract: Digital Twins (DT) has gained traction in recent years, offering significant potential to centralize design, construction and operation processes, improve management, and support decision-making. However, implementing DTs in the AECO sector involves managing various technologies and software, leading to increased complexity for professionals. This paper presents MatchFEM, a tool designed to simplify data generation for DTs within a unified environment. Developed as a plug-in for Grasshopper Computational Design (CD) software, MatchFEM facilitates 4D IFC-BIM modelling, IoT monitoring, data processing, and Structural Analysis models generation, key components of DTs. A case study is included to demonstrate its functionality and potential benefits.