The service portfolio we offer and the software products we develop are based on some of the most disrupting digital technologies of our time. We employ camera-equipped drones (UAS) and photogrammetric 3D-reconstruction techniques for structural scanning, sometimes supplemented by laser scanning, to provide highly accurate georeferenced building models through point clouds, textured meshes, BIM and FEA models. We perform anomaly detection in image data based on feature recognition methods from Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques such as deep neural networks. Data fusion and interpretation is performed with data obtained from sensor-based structural health monitoring (SHM) technologies for which we have developed Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) using microcontrollers and smartphone devices.

Further, numerical simulation techniques such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to determine the nonlinear mechanical behaviour of structures are employed for static as well as dynamic problems in the context of structural analysis and safety assessment.

Data provenance and storage is facilitated by employing Building Information Modelling concepts. Most of the data processing and analysis is deployed on high-performance computing (HPC) hardware utilising multi-core CPU as well as GPU processing to suit the specifics of the software implementations. Solutions for visual analytics and remote virtual inspections are available for Virtual Reality environments such as Head Mounted Displays as well as Multi-user VR systems and on-site inspection support is developed using Augmented Reality concepts. Access to geometric and condition data is provided through a cloud platform.

The core components of our digital assessment framework are described in this White Paper (visit sciencedirect.com).

Data Acquisition Equipment

Unmanned Arial Systems (UAS)

Data acquisition of structures using the professional flight system DJI Matrice 350 RTK

  • Optimized flight system for the precise surveying and recording of structures
  • Extremely wind-stable platform, suitable even in strong and gusty wind conditions
  • Flexible payload concept for professional system and thermal imaging cameras
  • GPS- and altitude-assisted as well as manual flight modes for outdoor and indoor operations
  • 3D flight planning for automated, repeatable data acquisition of large and complex structures

Documentation of work processes and construction progress using DJI Matrice 4TD

  • Unmanned aerial system for visual and thermal documentation of construction processes
  • High-resolution photo and video recording for construction progress documentation
  • Capability for repeatable flights over identical areas
  • Suitable for regular operations on construction sites and infrastructure structures
  • Operation possible under limited lighting and adverse weather conditions

Documentation of structural conditions using DJI Mini 4 Pro

  • Ultralight unmanned aerial system for photo and video recording
  • Suitable for operations in confined or sensitive environments
  • High-resolution visual documentation from the air

Cameras

  • Sony Alpha 7R IV system camera (61 MP) full-frame
  • DJI Osmo 360 360° camera

Laser Scanner

  • Z+F PROFILER® 9012 2D profile scanner
  • Z+F IMAGER® 5016 3D laser scanner
  • Z+F IMAGER® 5024 Supreme 3D laser scanner
  • Leica BLK2GO

Tacheometer und GNSS

  • Leica Nova MS60 Multistation
  • Leica GS 18T

Cooperations

Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
Fakultät Bauingenieurwesen
Institut für Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau
Versuchstechnische Einrichtung (visit VTE website)

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