LiDAR-UAV Integrated Digitization of Civil Infrastructure for Visualization of Physical Condition

Civil infrastructure is prone to deterioration due to several factors like loading and environmental agents. Condition assessment of these infrastructures is done on a visualization basis by the field inspector. The data collected by the inspector is biased and depends on the perception, experience, and visuals of the inspector. The data collected in terms of images and characteristics of the deterioration is recorded on a qualitative basis in the data log. The report is then presented to the managers or decision-makers to make decisions on the maintenance of the facility. In this era, various sensing and visualization technologies are available that can be utilized to create a digitized as-built model in 3D with exact dimensions and deteriorations, also known as a 3D re-constructed model. In this research, a 3D reconstructed model of an elevated overhead water tank has been created using laser scanning, UAV (Unmanned aerial vehicle). Artificial intelligence has been used to detect and measure cracks or openings on the surface of the structure. Deflection and rotation of the elements of the structure have been quantified by superimposing the point cloud model over the as-planned model in the interface of Navisworks.