Abstract
This paper proposes a novel method for bridge inspection that essentially digitises bridges using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) so that they can be later inspected in a virtual reality (VR) environment. The work uses conventional terrestrial LIDAR together with affordable VR hardware and freely available software development kits originally intended for authoring computer games. The resulting VR app is evaluated for a case study involving a typical masonry bridge, comparing the proposed technique with traditional inspection methods. The new approach promises to be highly effective in terms of interpretation of results, accessibility to critical areas and safety of inspectors. The work represents an important step towards the creation of digital twins of important assets in the built environment. Recent bridge collapse incidents have affected local economies, traffic congestion, and in some extreme cases led to a loss of life. The work is timely as law making agencies are paying greater attention to structural rehabilitation. This paper will be of particular interest to bridge engineers, construction professionals and law makers and could lead to future revisions of bridge inspection processes and standards.
Highlights
State highway bridges are part of the critical transportation infrastructure and can be considered as the backbone of a nation’s economy (Merkle & Myers, 2006)
This paper proposes a novel method for bridge inspection that essentially digitises bridges using Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) so that they can be later inspected in a virtual reality environment
Technologically, the main contribution of this paper is the development of a virtual reality application for bridge inspection using affordable devices running the android operating system such as smart phones
Summary
State highway bridges are part of the critical transportation infrastructure and can be considered as the backbone of a nation’s economy (Merkle & Myers, 2006). According to a recent survey conducted in the US, 55,710 bridges have been declared as structurally deficient and need immediate attention (Holcombe, 2017). Recent bridge collapse incidents in Italy, South Africa, the United States and India has forced law making agencies to pay more attention to structural rehabilitation. This section gives an overview of the historical development of virtual reality systems and their application. The development of 3D scanning and its reported use in bridge inspection is discussed. Emphasis is placed on how virtual reality can be used in bridge inspection to resolve these limitations. Development of Virtual Reality Systems From a philosophical point of view, the desire to experience presence in an immersive simulated environment has always existed. The first colour stereoscopic 3D movie, Bwana Devil, was directed by Arch Oboler in 1952 and 3D movies became popular in the 1950s and 1960s (Jockenhovel, 2011)
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