Augmented Reality (AR) in Life-Cycle Management of Transportation Infrastructure Projects

University Transportation Centers Program2019PDFTech ReportGong, JieYu, YiRutgers University. Center for Advanced Infrastructure and TransportationUnited States. Department of Transportation. University Transportation Centers (UTC) ProgramUnited States. Department of Transportation. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and TechnologyPort Authority of New York and New JerseyRutgers University. Center for Advanced Infrastructure and TransportationUnited StatesAcceptanceBridgesDeploymentField testsInfrastructureInspectionLife cycle analysisPublic utilitiesStakeholdersTechnologyTunnelsVirtual realityCAIT-UTC-REG 169A3551847102Kumapley, RobertFinal Report 09/01/2018 \u2013 09/30/2019In recent years, Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality as an immersive computing and visualization technology has seen explosive development, and has very rich use cases in the realm of transportation infrastructure management. Some of these user cases include supporting inspection, construction review, QA, in-situ operation simulation, and training through real-time information. In general, there is yet a lack of understanding on how today\u2019s AR/VR technologies mesh with the current needs of transportation infrastructure management. The goal of this study is to help transportation stakeholders achieve better understanding of the utility of AR technologies and encourage wider acceptance of AR technologies in life-cycle management of transportation infrastructure systems through literature synthesis, technology evaluation, application development, and technology demonstration. To this end, this project produced new ways of providing training to transportation workforces. More specifically, two full-immersive virtual environments featuring bridges and critical facilities have been developed. These virtual environments are modeled after two real facilities. The virtual training environments can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of training for transportation workforce. For example, construction crews can use the bridge VR environment to simulate the setup of work zones (i.e. placing cones and controlling traffics with flagman) and experience the resulted traffic flow in a fully immersive environment. Such training can greatly enhance the safety of construction crews and the traveling public. The facility VR environment can be used for confined space training.143