Effektivare underhåll av befintliga broar med digitala tvillingar

Routine bridge and tunnel inspections usually consist of visual observations. The procedure is highly dependent on the inspector’s experience. Furthermore, knowledge transfer from one inspection period to another becomes difficult when different inspectors carry out the investigation. Combining optical methods for 3D scanning with non-destructive methods would enable the creation of a digital twin of a real structure to facilitate better interpretation, analysis and data sharing between all stakeholders.

The aim of this project is the development of a digital twin of a concrete bridge and demonstrate its impact on asset management. First, a 3D geometry model would be generated using photogrammetry methods. Then, using non-destructive methods the model would be enhanced by in-depth information (material properties, damages, inner geometry). Finally, we would use virtual reality as support for maintenance and inspection. This will deliver a large evolutionary step in facility management by creating an immersive and interactive experience for the end-user. This application fully complies with InfraSweden’s focus areas “Condition assessment and Operation & maintenance methods”. The proposal meets a number of InfraSweden’s performance targets such as “Techniques, methods and tools for permit assessment, operation and maintenance of transport infrastructure where the possibilities of digitization are optimally utilized”.

Current bridge management system in Sweden contains basic information such as 2D drawings and inspection notes which have significant importance to the repair and alteration of constructions still in use. However, geometric deviations and material degradation may have a negative impact on the accuracy of structural assessment. Hence, a digital twin of the physical bridge representing the as-is condition will constitute a specific innovation in this project. Taken separately, different techniques used in this project are already at high TRL, however, linked together to create a unified approach to condition assessment is currently at low TRL. This project will lift the current TRL to allow the techniques to migrate towards market application. This is in line with Trafikverket’s aim of a sustainable transport system by using digitization.

The study will focus on a concrete railway bridge. The selection is carried out in collaboration with Trafikverket. Photogrammetry-based scanning will be employed aiming to generate the geometric representation of the bridge. Semantic information will be needed for feeding the digital model with in-depth information obtained through non-destructive equipment. Lastly, guidelines for inspection and model updating will be developed. We would use virtual reality as support for maintenance and inspection. This will deliver an evolutionary step in facility management by creating an immersive and interactive experience for the end-user. The concept of using a digital twin has recently received large attention from different actors.  We have identified the following end-users: bridge owners; bridge designers; bridge inspectors and researchers. We will serve different target groups with relevant products, e.g. new guidelines for inspection, publications in scientific journals, etc.

Tidplan

Start 2019-06-01

Slut 2022-05-30

Projektansvarig

Luleå tekniska universitet

Projektledare

Cosmin Popescu, cosmin.popescu@ltu.se

Partners

Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and Skanska