Remote Sensing and Non-Destructive Testing for Digital Twin-based Infrastructure Monitoring

In recent years, innovative technologies for monitoring and managing civil infrastructure have been widely used by stakeholders and managing bodies, to ensure the correct and efficient maintenance of these critical elements. In this context, great attention is given to the environment surrounding these assets. Indeed, the environment plays a crucial role in altering the conditions of the civil infrastructures, either as a result of catastrophic natural events or due to the gradual morphological changes over time. Understanding the surrounding conditions of critical infrastructures is therefore essential to ensure accurate predictions regarding the changing conditions of the infrastructures over time, to prevent damages, and to intervene promptly and efficiently when necessary. In addition, comprehending the environmental conditions surrounding critical infrastructures is crucial for ensuring accurate long-term monitoring procedures, mitigating potential damages proactively, and facilitating efficient and timely interventions when necessary. Moreover, several international studies and research projects focused on these topics have been increasingly supported by industry and infrastructure managers in handling data from innovative monitoring technologies. Among these technologies, remote sensing techniques, including satellite analysis using MT-InSAR methods for assessing structural subsidence [1], and change detection techniques to evaluate temporal variations are gaining momentum. Furthermore, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), to integrate information derived from other remote surveys, stands as a crucial topic to be more investigated.

 

This research aims to identify a methodology for managing multi-sensor and multi-scale survey information integrating satellite remote sensing and ground-based Non-Destructive Testing for Digital Twin-based infrastructure monitoring. However, the interpretation of data derived from satellite remote sensing [1] and ground-based Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) [2] techniques remain an area awaiting comprehensive exploration within the realm of transport infrastructure monitoring. This approach is aimed at the definition of a Digital Twin of the analyzed infrastructure and the environment in which it is located. An experimental application was developed selecting a bridge, located in Italy, identified as a case study. Several data obtained from inspections performed by UAVs and satellite remote sensing were implemented, as well as a digital modeling process, specifically developed for integrating such database to create a Digital Twin of the bridge and the environment. This application stands as a starting point for defining a broader integrated monitoring methodology for the management of critical transport infrastructures.

 

Acknowledgements

This research is supported by the Project “SIMICOM”  accepted and funded by the Lazio Region, Italy

References

[1] Gagliardi V., et Al. Digital twin implementation by multisensors data for smart evaluation of transport infrastructure. SPIE Optical Metrology. Multimodal Sensing and Artificial Intelligence: Technologies and Applications III, Munich, 2023.

 

[2] Tosti F., et Al "Integration of Remote Sensing and Ground-Based Non-Destructive Methods in Transport Infrastructure Monitoring: Advances, Challenges and Perspectives," 2021 IEEE Asia-Pacific Conference on Geoscience, Electronics and Remote Sensing Technology (AGERS), Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia, 2021, pp. 1-7,