Exploitation of Geometric Data provided by Laser Scanning to Create FEM Structural Models of Bridges

Abstract

Quantitative tools providing information about the state of the health of a bridge in service are shown to be an essential part of the maintenance required to extend its useful life. Laser scanning technology has shown in recent years a high potential applicability. One of the principal applications is the use of the detailed geometrical information extracted as a basis for the creation of precise computational models. To date, no commercial software nor a robust automatic approach for the direct transformation of these data into valid models for analysis by the finite-element method (FEM) exists. The aim of this paper is to provide an easy and practical methodology that allows the conversion of point clouds into FEM models so that daily real cases of engineering can take the benefit of the precise geometrical description to subsequently carry out the structural assessment of bridges in service.