Formalized Approach for Accurate Geometry Capture through Laser Scanning

The main objective of the presented research is to formalize a novel iterative feedback mechanism that facilitates reliable and accurate geometric capture of civil infrastructure systems (e.g., bridges) through laser scanning to support predictive modeling (e.g., finite element modeling). Current condition assessment (of a bridge) based on visual inspection is subjective and often fails to obtain reliable and accurate geometry data which is essential for finite element modeling. The laser scanner, which is a non-contact geometry capture technology, is one of the promising technologies that can capture more detailed (2mm spacing) and accurate (+/- 5mm) geometric data compared to existing surveying and measurement techniques, such as total stations and Global Positioning Systems. The presented work is focused on investigating and formalizing how laser scanning technology can optimally be leveraged and integrated to provide a sufficiently accurate documentation of bridge geometry, and then how such information may be transformed into a reliable finite element model for predictive modeling.