Integration and Visualization of NDE Data in Digital Building Models – A conceptual view

Abstract

In recent years, several NDE methods have been developed to operational maturity, and measuring devices for their application are available. The task now is to combine and integrate the various data for a structure, to organize the data, store it permanently and make it accessible, to visualize and process the data, and to use the data for inspection planning and prediction. Digital building models can be the central element here. In the context of Building Information Modeling (BIM), they can represent both the planning data and the condition data of the infrastructure over the entire life cycle. In the utilization phase, the integration of information from structural analysis and monitoring enables a detailed, up-to-date description of the condition of the structure, which can be used as a digital twin. This contribution attempts to paint the whole picture of measurement, interpretation, digital building model, utilization, and visualization. A workflow will be developed that extends from pressing the measurement button to the automatic transfer of the measurement results to a BIM model to instant augmented reality visualization for the measuring engineer. Important interfaces between the steps will be analyzed, including measured data from various sources consisting of raw data, parameters, interpretation, and assessment; the transformation and integration of the data into digital building models using BIM and Industry Foundation Classes (IFC); the utilization and visualization of the data through virtual and augmented reality. Special focus will be placed on database requirements including standardization, ownership, access control, and long-term support as well as on positioning of measurement and visualization devices. Examples of own and others work illustrate existing approaches, and topics for further research and development are identified and described.