Evaluating augmented reality technologies for the inspection of pre-fabricated concrete panels

The components to be embedded within a precaset concrete panel must be inspected prior to concete placement. To the untrained eye, this inspection appears to be the process of comparing an actual 3D tangle of mesh, rebar, and other metal components with neat 2D design drawings on paper. Even for highly trained and experienced inspectors, it is time consuming and challenging to identify and count components, as well as verify their sizes and locations with centimeter accuracy. The proposed research will test and evaluate the use of augmented reality (projected and holographic) technologies which allow inspectors to view 3D designs juxtaposed on the actual 3D embedded components in the casting bed. Participants will use the augmented reality technologies to identify discrepancies between the design and actual assembly in this laboratory/field experiment and thereby gain insight into the relative advantages and disadvantages prior to adoption of these technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Bateman;Lloyd Waugh;Zhen Lei

Student:

Partner:

Strescon Limited

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure

University:

University of New Brunswick

Program: