Application of virtual reality technology in bridge structure safety monitoring

Virtual reality technology is an immersive interactive technology which is based on computer technology and data processing technology. From virtual reality users can operate and apperceive all of the various objects in the virtual world and make access to the space and logical information implied among the virtual environment. Bridge approach slabs are designed to function as a transitional roadway to the bridge deck. Because of the stiffness difference and settlement deformation performance difference of bridge abutments and subgrade, it results in a differential settlement on the joint of bridge deck and road pavement which causes the steps or significant changes in lengthwise slope. The bumps and jumps will occur when the high-speed vehicles get across and it leads to the phenomenon of bridge bump. In this paper, the researched object is the bridge approach of Yushuguan Bridge in Beijing, China. Virtual reality technology is used to build the three-dimensional model of the bridge, and on this basis, the advanced safety monitoring of bridge is implemented. The establishment method of three-dimensional bridge scenery is introduced. The terrestrial laser scanning is applied to given precision panorama deformation monitoring of bridge approach. The 3D monitoring method is introduced here. Firstly, establish a high-precision horizontal control network with GPS. Secondly build elevation control network with the digital level. Thirdly achieve 3D model reconstruction of the bridge approach using three-dimensional laser scanner by collecting the point cloud data, registering the laser point cloud data, building triangulation model and generating solid models. Thus we can obtain the 3D image of the bridge approach deformation in a precision and stereo way effectively.