The primary goal of this proposal is to use non-contact 3D scanning technology and AI for assisting in the inspection and maintenance procedures for deck timbers and rails on open-deck bridges.

The proposed research is a pilot project targeting a virtual open-deck bridge. Upon successful implementation, NJT will benefit from a utility which autonomously identifies geometries of timbers and rails. NJT may incorporate the discussed algorithms as part of a larger framework on developing digital twins for real open-deck bridges. A digital twin framework with the geometry identification algorithm can replace the tedious traditional timber maintenance programs.