The Newly-developed structural digital twin modeling method for deviations monitoring of prefabricated cable domes based on 3D laser scanning

Abstract

Structural performance of prefabricated cable domes is highly sensitive to structural deviations generated during construction and service stages. An accurate and thorough detection of the deviations therefore is very important. In this paper, a newly developed structural digital twin (SDT) modeling method based on three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technique is proposed for the application of deviation monitoring. The point cloud data (PCD) of measurements are inventively segmented for further analysis according to structural features. A new structural skeleton point recognition algorithm is then developed where layering and clustering of PCD are processed. Noises are inherently eliminated. Members are recognized automatically with joints of connections sequentially identified. The SDT of cable domes are formed, therefore. Access to deviation monitoring of a cable dome SDT is provided where the geometry of SDT is compared with that of a design model. The accuracy and efficiency of the SDT method are discussed thoroughly from detailed algorithms to the overall methodology. The novelty and benefits of the proposed method exhibit. The study laid the foundation for a high-fidelity direct analysis approach based on SDT method to predict structural performance of cable domes in future.