Immersive Virtual Reality and 3D Modelling Assisted Remote Inspection for Infrastructure

Abstract

Data visualization and decision-making are critical factors for infrastructure inspections. This paper proposes a new remote inspection framework with the aids of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and 3D Modelling to overcome the shortcomings of conventional inspection methods in terms of data visualization and decision-making. IVR is one of the trending data visualization techniques applied in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, and has the benefits of enhanced cognitive and motivational effectiveness, which can assist decision-making by improving users’ Situational Awareness (SA). 3D Modelling requires data collection and data processing to achieve the digitalized reconstruction of real objects. The framework proposed in this paper involved the development of an IVR prototype throughout an entire agile User Experience (UX) design lifecycle. The development of this framework consisted of four key stages: Constructing an IVR Environment, conducting UX design analysis, applying rendering methods, and refresh rate optimization. The Pakowhai Country Park Bridge was used as a case study to test the usability, IVR efficiency, affordance, level of immersion, and motion sickness status for a prototype developed in accordance with this framework. The implementation of the framework demonstrated its ability to identify damage by remote bridge inspection, and achieved acceptable usability with well-optimized affordance.