Precision is paramount in civil engineering, but measuring and surveying bridges, tunnels or industrial facilities can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. 3D scanning technology has turned this around. By providing highly accurate, data-rich models of structures at unprecedented speed, 3D scanning has enabled engineers to increase efficiency in many aspects of their work, from inspecting bridge bearings to assessing road safety and evaluating unique structures.
In this blog, we take a look at the most important areas of civil engineering and infrastructure where 3D scanning can help, either by improving precision, enhancing efficiency or providing greater insight into the structure. Let’s dive in.
Bridges and tunnels
Bridges and tunnels are frequently involved in maintenance, renovation and repair projects that require 3D scanning.
- Bridge bearings: These bearings typically include steel plate components that slide or move on rollers to accommodate thermal expansion throughout the day. Over time, they can seize up and require replacement. In this case, 3D scanning the apparatus in the summer and again in winter provides a clear picture of how much the structure has moved and which bearings (if any) need replacement. For those that need to be replaced, the eventual 3D model will help teams understand the geometry on top of the pillar in order to place jacks properly.
- Bridge strikes: It is not uncommon for large trucks to come into contact with bridge decks. To establish fault, it is necessary to determine whether the truck exceeded the height limit or if the bridge has settled down too far. Using terrestrial or mobile scanners, teams can provide a very accurate reading of the bridge deck height.
- Bridge repair: In many communities, bridges and other infrastructure are nearing the end of their design life cycle but there is not adequate funding to replace all of the affected structures. 3D scanning helps field teams create accurate CAD models of bridges that structural engineers can use to plan repairs that will extend the life span of these assets safely.
Roads and highways
Roadways are ideal candidates for mobile 3D scanning because of how time-consuming it can be to monitor thousands of miles of surface using manual collection methods.
- Safety inspection: Over time, repeated resurfacing can add height to the roadway. This affects the relative height of guardrails and other safety barriers. Mobile 3D scanning can help scan long sections of road very efficiently to flag any areas where the barriers are too low.
- Maintenance and repair: Mobile mapping can also be used to identify dips in the road that are virtually impossible to see with the naked eye. The 3D scan data can then be used to create detailed cross-sectional drawings of affected areas so teams can correctly estimate how much material is required for refill.
Industrial facilities
These facilities use 3D scanning because their infrastructure often matches the size and scale of civil engineering assets, and they pose obvious safety risks to teams taking manual measurements.
- Chimney inspection: Industrial chimney towers require regular inspection to ensure safety, but traditional methods provide incomplete data. 3D scanning delivers a more complete picture of the vertical axis as well as the exterior shell.
- Cooling towers: Similar to chimney towers, cooling towers must be monitored for cracks in the exterior shell and other safety issues. In these cases, accurate 3D scans and the resulting 3D CAD models help teams make informed decisions about risk mitigation and repair.
- Furnaces: Furnace inspections must be done regularly to ensure proper operation and detect safety risks. 3D scanning delivers highly precise data about furnaces, including accurate profiles of individual blocks, corroded volumes and surfaces without putting survey teams at risk.
General infrastructure
Infrastructure can be incredibly varied. One of the hallmarks of 3D scanning is its ability to capture accurate data about virtually any large or complex structure, even if it has an unusual shape or is placed in a location that is difficult to access.
- Safety structures: Ancillary but critical safety infrastructure like fire escapes are ideal candidates for 3D scanning. When these assets need to be replaced, it is not unusual for the original plans to be unavailable. 3D scanning provides an accurate picture of the designs, so they can be reverse engineered and remanufactured correctly to fit a specific building.
- Complex assets: Civil infrastructure is replete with one-of-a-kind structures. When these structures must be repaired, replaced or simply designed around, 3D scanning yields the accurate 3D models required to understand how best to integrate new designs with existing elements seamlessly.
- RAAC inspection: Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was a type of lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and the 1990s. Unfortunately, it has deteriorated faster than originally expected, which means many civil and industrial facilities need to understand the extent of the degradation. 3D scanning provides an ideal solution in this case.
3D scanning has the unique ability to capture accurate data about virtually any large or complex structure
Real-life use cases
The examples we have outlined demonstrate that 3D scanning can be used in a wide array of applications in this area to save time and increase precision and efficiency. Many companies are successfully using scanning in their work. To learn more, visit our webpage 3D Scanning for Civil Engineering.
