Reliability analysis of bridge evaluations based on 3D Light Detection and Ranging data

Terrestrial 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDar) scanner has been suggested as a remote sensing technique for existing and newly constructed bridges. Using high resolution laser, 3D LiDar can populate a surficial area with millions of position data points. Bridge problems can benefit from LiDar scan, and current studies have found potential applications including damage detection, bridge clearance, and static deflection measurement. The technique is useful when accurate measurement of bridge geometry cannot be achieved by traditional survey technique, especially when site topography is prohibitive. However, resolution is still one of the main factors that limit the application of LiDar technology for advanced bridge monitoring. This paper discusses the reliability issues of such technique as well as the LiDar based bridge condition evaluation methodologies. Several experimental results are presented to establish the sensitivities for different assessments.