Real-Time 5G-Enabled Management System for Civil Infrastructure using Augmented Reality
Abstract
As civil infrastructures around the world faces escalating threats from climate change, urbanization, and increased vehicular loads, there is an urgent need for advanced methods to monitor and maintain structural integrity. Traditional inspection techniques, which largely depend on visual assessments and the deployment of heavy machinery, often fall short in terms of efficiency and safety. These methods face several limitations, including restricted accessibility, high costs, time-consuming processes, and inconsistent accuracy due to human error and subjective judgment. To address these limitations, this thesis presents a remote collaborative inspection framework that integrates Augmented Reality (AR) with high-speed 5G networks to offer a more flexible and effective solution for structural monitoring. The proposed framework introduces an approach that combines AR technology with enhanced 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) capabilities and holographic damage markers. The AR interface supports real-time visualization of structural conditions, while off-site inspectors can contribute to the evaluation process via a web-based platform, facilitated by the robust bandwidth and low latency of 5G networks. A key feature of the framework is its ability to project interactive holographic markers that provide clear, visual indications of damage locations on the 3D model as observed in the real-world context. This real-time data exchange and collaborative environment enable inspectors to make more informed decisions and respond to structural issues with greater agility. This system not only enables on-site inspectors to visualize and interact with detailed 3D models superimposed onto physical structures but also allows for the dynamic manipulation of these models to enhance damage detection and assessment. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through a series of experiments involving a laboratory beam model and a full-scale bridge, illustrating the framework’s potential to revolutionize structural inspection practices by merging advanced AR technologies with cutting-edge 5G communication infrastructure.