Structural Safety Evaluation from Computational Modeling of Unknown Bridges Using LiDAR Point Cloud and Nondestructive Testing Data

This project aims to convert LiDAR point cloud data into a finite element model of an unknown bridge by integrating steel bars identified from nondestructive testing into structural geometries based on LiDAR point cloud and validating the computational model against a reference model created manually using structural drawings. The aim of this study will be achieved by executing four tasks: (1) Data collection from a bridge using drone-based LiDAR flights and nondestructive testing, such as ground penetrating radar for detection and identification of steel reinforcement grids hidden in concrete members. (2) Data processing through registration, noise removal, and down-sampling. (3) Automated finite element model generation by integrating hidden features into structural components with outlining geometry of point cloud and discretizing them. (4) Condition assessment by running the computational model with estimated material properties under overloaded trucks and/or earthquake loads.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $250,695.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348307

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Mid-America Transportation Center

  University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
  Lincoln, NE  United States  68583-0851
• Project Managers:

  Bruner, Britain

• Performing Organizations:

  Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla

  Department of Engineering
  202 University Center
  Rolla, MO    65409
• Principal Investigators:

  Chen, Genda

• Start Date: 20260601
• Expected Completion Date: 20270531
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Drones; Finite element method; Ground penetrating radar; Inspection; Laser radar; Nondestructive tests; Point clouds; Structural analysis
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01989520
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348307
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 18 2026 5:09PM