Laboratory of Digital Models in Structures and Construction

Twinning Aging Bridges

Transportation networks were essential to civilization, with bridges playing a critical role in their function. Ageing bridges proved particularly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to deterioration and increased loads beyond their original design. The rising number of bridge failures underscored the consequences of inadequate monitoring and maintenance, leading to significant societal losses.

PONT3 is a coordinated project funded by Agencia Estatal de Investigación with a three-legged partnership between UPC, UPV and UV. 

The laboratory contributes with several tasks:

Data collection

Using both photogrammetry and laser scanning, the geometry of both Laboratory Speciments and Joncadella Viaduct have been collected, cleaned and segmented.  

Joncadella Viaduct

Scan-to-BIM

Using computational geometry tools, the Rhino.Geometry library and MatchFEM, a plugin developed within the lab, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) models are built from point clouds. MatchFEM allows linking these models to IfcSensors as well. 

BIM-to-FEM ETLs

Leveraging adequately defined data models, Ifc files can be converted to bespoke FEM tools using ETLs.

O-SAM, a development from the lab is used to ignite the connection to openSeeS. 

Twin prototype

A graph-based digital twin of the bridge is conceived and implemented with a simple user-interface. The digital twin prototype includes agents that can infer homogenized material properties from non-destructive testing. Back-end systems are based on ontology-driven methodologies