LiDAR-based temporal surface damage assessment of bridge infrastructure using efficient scan area planning

Aging bridges pose significant risks to public safety and economic stability, and traditional inspection methods lack accuracy and historical data. LiDAR-based damage assessment has gained prominence in recent years because of its precision and automation capabilities. However, optimal scanner placement for efficient and comprehensive, accurate data collection remains a challenge. This paper demonstrates and validates a scan area planning method that minimizes differences between planned and measured interpoint spacings, achieving sub-millimeter accuracy. Using this approach, point clouds of bridge pier infrastructure were collected over two years to track cracks, spalling, and reinforcement corrosion. The results revealed a 47.2% reduction in the diameter of the exposed reinforcement and a 37.1% increase in the vertical crack width, indicating significant structural deterioration. The proposed method provides valuable insights into the condition of the bridge components and their surrounding environment, supporting proactive maintenance planning and more efficient resource allocation.