Framework for Bridge Inspection with Laser Scanning

For the last two decades, a significant amount research has been developed for collecting data for bridge inspection. Yet, visual investigation with an on-site inspector remains the predominant method; however is the highly subjective and time consuming. Alternatively, terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) can acquire surface details of structures quickly and accurately and is, thus, an emerging means to overcome the shortcomings of direct visual inspection. This paper presents a framework of bridge inspection using TLS data, where a strategy of processing TLS data for deformation measurement, damage detection, and reconstruction of three dimension (3D) as-built models are explored. Demonstration of the application in bridge inspection is also provided.