Documentation of Bridge Inspection Projects Using Virtual Reality Approach
Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 11, Issue 3
Abstract
Recent research has revealed that the nondestructive evaluation technique used most often to assess the physical condition of a bridge is visual inspection. During a routine visual inspection, observations and/or measurements are made and then recorded by means of field sketches, written descriptions, and site photographs. This information is ultimately entered into a bridge management system where it is maintained and used to make decisions regarding future maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement of the bridge. Recognizing the importance of such documentation, this paper reports on the use of QuickTime Virtual Reality (QTVR) for recording and managing information normally collected during a routine inspection. With this technology, bridge inspection projects can be documented in an interactive, virtual reality format and supplement customary inspection reports. The specific details related to QTVR development (including field procedures and multimedia techniques) as applied to various bridge inspection projects are discussed in this paper. The study concludes with a discussion of the potential impact of the QTVR technology in bridge inspection.
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Acknowledgments
The writers would like to thank the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSHTD) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in particular David Albright (Research Bureau Chief, NMSHTD) and Reuben Thomas (Division Administrator, FHWA), for the support that made this research possible. Appreciation also goes to Anita Carrasco and Mark Fountain (undergraduate researchers, New Mexico State University) for their help in the field as well as with the image processing. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the writers and not necessarily those of the NMSHTD and FHWA.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 11 • Issue 3 • September 2005
Pages: 172 - 179
Copyright
© 2005 ASCE.
History
Received: May 8, 2002
Accepted: Jun 27, 2003
Published online: Sep 1, 2005
Published in print: Sep 2005
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