Cameras capture structural condition in high definition

摘要

Innovative use of digital cameras could be harnessed to monitor the condition of bridges and tunnels of both railways and highways. Monitoring the condition of structural assets such as bridges and tunnels could soon become easier, faster and more precise with a new computerised inspection and asset management system known as DIFCAM. The system makes use of 11 digital cameras that are fixed to the roof of a multi purpose road vehicle and positioned at slightly different angles from each other. As the vehicle is driven slowly forwards the cameras capture a continuous succession of images, resulting in several thousand photographs of any one structure. At the same time a laser scanner mounted on the front of the vehicle is used to produce a 3D model of the asset. These two sets of data are then brought together to create a comprehensive digital record against which future surveys can be compared. Those behind the system say that it will allow structural deterioration to be detected at an earlier stage and for changes in condition to be accurately monitored over time.