Application of BIM methodology for structural inspection and maintenance ECO-Systems: semi-automated monitoring procedures to implement different kinds of data into Enriched COoperative Systems

Abstract

The main objective of the present thesis work is to develop an efficient methodology for setting up and managing up-to-date and updatable Monitoring ECO-Systems, intended as Enriched COoperative Systems. It is thus organised into twelve chapters clustered in three main parts. The first part covers an introduction to Building Information Modelling [BIM], Structural Health Monitoring [SHM], and the overall standardised Scan-To-BIM methodology proposed hereto. Subsequently, the second part presents a procedural and semiautomated methodology within the framework of the macro Scan-to-BIM approach for the digitisation of the Italian Infrastructure Heritage, particularly focusing on bridges, viaducts, and overpasses. The pilot case study for the developed procedure is the Olivieri Viaduct (Salerno, Italy). On the other hand, the third part deals with automated procedures for the integration of data from sensors in a BIM environment, developed on the Temple of Neptune (Paestum, Italy). It was chosen for the extensive existing database and for the possibility of integrating data from the innovative system of seismometers recently arranged for monitoring microdisplacements. Therefore, this application allows to implement pieces of information from both active sensors – i.e., Terrestrial Laser Scanners [TLS] and Seismometers – and passive sensors – i.e., cameras mounted on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [UAV]. As explained in the first part, in a more distinctively figurative way, we could exhaustively describe the Building Information Modelling [BIM] methodology as the ideal combination of symbolic representation – starting from the cavemen’s drawing and fast-forwarding to the 3D digital twins of the physical world – and numerical modelling – that indeed dates back to the Greeks, i.e., Pythagoras. However, much like the prisoners of the cave of the well-known Plato’s allegory, we are every day more convinced that the digital reproduction of the phenomenal world can become itself the reality. If not, at the very least, it can flawlessly mirror it. On the contrary, it is not to forget that the whole experience of the world is just not equal to the objective reality, may this even exist, but a version of it mediated by our observation, thus a discretisation of it, no matter how faithful it may come to be, should never propose as the absolute truth. The concept of Structural Health Monitoring [SHM] is relatively recent too. Starting from the early years of the 21st century, the problem of monitoring the physical-chemical-mechanical conditions of structures and infrastructures for civil use began to be thought of in a significantly different way than in the last century. Indeed, over the previous twenty years, it has been realised that novel construction materials, such as reinforced concrete and pre-stressed steel may have a long life but not an indefinitely long one. More has also been understood regarding materials of the past, i.e., wood. Thus, it has become clear that carrying out correct and methodical maintenance is essential and can significantly extend the useful life of a structure or infrastructure. All these arguments have then led to the definition of the modern concept of structural health and the need for its monitoring, similarly to what happens to human health. Furthermore, specifically for the highly historicised Italian territory, SHM constitutes a good tool for the historical and architectural heritage to enhance the management of the assets. Particularly, the Guidelines for risk classification and management, safety assessment and monitoring of existing bridges underline the importance of predictive models. It then appears clear how current experimentation focuses always more on conjugating the SHM numerical modelling with the BIM modelling technology, often employing advanced programming tools – such as Visual Programming Language [VPL] script – so as to add visualisation to asset management systems, to provide a highly beneficial cognitive aid for processing overwhelming amounts of information. As a result of the presented considerations, it arises the main objective of the present thesis project, i.e., the development of a methodology for long-term management in a BIM environment of structural monitoring Enriched COoperative Systems [ECO-Systems], which falls within the topics of the ninth sustainable goal – Industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The monitoring ECO-system is designed as an open environment that needs continuous input to maintain its order; the inputs will be represented by up-to-date and updatable information, in order for the ECO-system to function properly. It is therefore imperative when organising a facility management BIM system to clearly establish implementation and data management procedures, i.e., to define the so-called Common Data Environment [CDE, in italian Ambiente di Condivisione Dati – ACDat]. The proposed methodology moves towards a standardisation of the modelling procedures of the existing built environment, while also being easily adaptable ex-novo modelling, by simply leaving out the initial integrated survey. [edited by Author]