A new online platform using 3D and virtual reality technology has been developed to allow remote building inspections to take place.
The six-month project at the University of Strathclyde uses state-of-the-art algorithms, virtual reality and image processing techniques to monitor the construction phase of buildings.
The platform will create a 3D environment of a building and reduce the number of physical inspections from quantity surveyors and health and safety inspectors required.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, the necessity to work remotely means the technology could help solve problems arising from not being able to visit the site since remote working became the norm during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Researchers say the technology will mean fewer defects occur in the long term as well as improving productivity and quality overall.
It has now also received £35,000 from the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre i-Con Challenge.
Dr Andrew Agapiou is a senior lecturer in the university’s department of architecture and lead researcher on the project.
He said: “The ability to accurately detect errors and defects in remote and hard-to-access buildings has significant value for the organisations.
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“In many situations, these structures are inspected extensively using digital cameras to capture images which can be analysed offline by experts who study the footage in detail.
“The use of advanced photogrammetry and artificial intelligence technologies will help data gathering and analysis with minimum human interaction with buildings.”
The project partners are the Scottish Government Building Standards Division, Sublime, Robert Gordon University, Balfour Beatty Construction, BDP, Anomalous Technologies, Scottish Futures Trust Hub-Cos Partnership, Highlands Council and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.
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