Abstract

MEP systems dominate building operational costs, yet facility teams continue battling reactive maintenance cycles that result in unexpected equipment failures, emergency callouts, and continuous energy inefficiencies. Digital twin technology presents a practical solution by creating live virtual replicas that shift operations from firefighting breakdowns to anticipating issues before they escalate. However, adoption remains limited due to fragmented implementation guidance, short-term validation studies, and minimal research addressing emerging market contexts. This research employs a grounded approach combining systematic literature analysis, candid discussions with MEP engineers and facility managers across UAE commercial properties, and practical prioritization frameworks assessing real-world impact against implementation complexity. The study refines a four-layer digital twin architecture encompassing sensor infrastructure, data connectivity, predictive analytics, and operator interfaces, specifically adapted for daily MEP operational complexities. Results identify pragmatic implementation pathways, with HVAC predictive maintenance and plumbing leak detection emerging as practical starting points offering quick wins. The framework directly addresses data integration headaches, organizational resistance, budget constraints, and skills gaps while delivering actionable deployment strategies that translate digital twin theory into field-ready guidance for facility professionals pursuing operational excellence.

Publication Date

12-17-2025

Document Type

Master's Project

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Engineering Management (ME)

Department, Program, or Center

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Advisor

Muhammad Imran

Advisor/Committee Member

Karishmma Jethwani

Campus

RIT Dubai

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