A method for constructing construction digital twins by integrating SfM/MVS and 3D Gaussian splatting

Abstract

This paper proposes a hybrid approach for constructing construction digital twins by integrating mesh models generated via Structure-from-Motion（SfM）/ Multi-View Stereo（MVS） with photorealistic 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) representations, targeting construction scenario analysis in a physics-enabled game engine. The SfM/MVS mesh serves as a geometric layer for collision detection, while 3DGS serves as a visual layer for photorealistic background rendering, balancing interactivity and visual fidelity. We systematize an end-to-end workflow from on-site image acquisition to engine-level integration, and evaluate how image acquisition and preprocessing conditions affect 3DGS reconstruction quality, processing time, and geometric consistency between the two layers. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of physics simulation and collision detection is left for future work.