Automated Quality Assessment of Precast Concrete Elements Using LiDAR and Augmented Reality

This paper presents an innovative system for enhancing quality assessment of precast concrete elements through the integration of LiDAR scanning technology and Augmented Reality (AR) visualization. Current precast concrete inspection practices often rely on random sampling due to time and cost constraints, which increases the risk of undetected defects. Our approach addresses this challenge by combining a mobile robotic platform (Cyclop) equipped with an RGBD camera for collecting 3D point cloud data, with an AR application that enables inspectors to visualize and interact with digital representations of the precast elements. The AR interface provides an intuitive experience where inspectors can manipulate holographic models through natural hand gestures, allowing them to examine complex geometries from multiple angles and identify dimensional deviations using visualizations. Laboratory testing conducted at the University of New Mexico's Vicon laboratory and field validation at Castillo Pre-Stressed in Belen, NM demonstrated the system's capabilities in accurately capturing dimensional data and generating interactive holograms for inspection. This technology offers significant advantages for precast concrete quality control by enabling more comprehensive inspections, reducing decision time, and providing permanent digital records of structural elements. The standardized procedure developed through this research provides clear guidelines for inspectors to effectively implement these advanced technologies in routine quality assessments.