SPR-2310: Adaption of 3D Scanning Technology for High Precision Bridge Inspection

Bridge inspections are primarily conducted using visual inspection techniques to evaluate the condition of a bridge. Current bridge inspection techniques are time consuming and qualitative. The data collected at an inspection site includes sketches, hand measurements, and pictures. The quality of the data is dependent on the inspector, and as such the results are subjective. Often, the data obtained does not provide sufficient information to use for accurate load ratings, and the values once collected, cannot be easily double checked. Therefore, there exists a need for more accurate, objective inspection techniques. 3D scanning technology has the potential to improve the quality of bridge inspection data by improving the accuracy of measurements; capturing data onsite and reviewing it in the office, thereby reducing the amount of time spent on active roadways and improving safety; tracking of damage overtime in an objective manner, which allows the engineers to make more informed decisions on how to allocate funds for bridge repair and replacement etc. A preliminary evaluation of the capabilities of 3D scanner, Artec Eva, for bridge inspection was conducted in the Fall of 2017. A team of researchers from the University of Connecticut and a team from the Bridge Safety and Evaluation office from Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) scanned a girder end with section loss caused by corrosion. This demonstration confirmed that the scanner was able to accurately capture the geometry of corroded parts of girders and values of section loss across the corrosion damaged area. Areas of cracking on the abutment and piers were also scanned to evaluate the possibility of using the scanner for surface crack mapping on concrete. The scanner can also capture any permanent distortion and deformations due to partial failure of damaged girders (e.g. buckling of the web, bending of the bottom flange). This trial demonstration proved the potential of this technology and set the stage for this research project. The objectives of this two-year project are: (1) evaluate the application of 3D scanning technology for bridge inspection; (2) develop a file management plan and workflow for integration of 3D scanning data into current CTDOT practice; and, (3) investigate the potential use of 3D scanning data for residual capacity evaluation and load rating of bridges with section loss due to corrosion. The project will be evaluated by: (1) Comparing the accuracy and time required on site for inspection using 3D scanning and inspection using traditional means and methods; (2) The feasibility of incorporating the proposed 3D scanning workflow into the current CTDOT file management system; and, (3) The reliability of the proposed simplified formulation for load ratings. The principal benefits of the project are process improvement/simplification; reductions in labor activities and costs; safety improvement; time savings; and, increasing infrastructure longevity.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $249,026
• Contract Numbers:

  SPR-2310

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Connecticut Department of Transportation

  2800 Berlin Turnpike
  P. O. Box 317546
  Newington, CT  United States  06131-7546
• Managing Organizations:

  Connecticut Department of Transportation

  2800 Berlin Turnpike
  P. O. Box 317546
  Newington, CT  United States  06131-7546
• Project Managers:

  Zimyeski, Melanie

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Connecticut, Storrs

  Connecticut Transportation Institute
  270 Middle Turnpike, Unit 5202
  Storrs, CT  United States  06269-5202
• Principal Investigators:

  Zaghi, Arash

• Start Date: 20180201
• Expected Completion Date: 20240630
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accuracy; Corrosion; Data collection; Evaluation and assessment; Highway bridges; Inspection; Load factor; Scanners
• Geographic Terms: Connecticut
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01659477
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Connecticut Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: SPR-2310
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 7 2018 8:41AM