Project: Teddington Lock Footbridge bearing replacement
Client: FM Conway
Borough: Teddington
We continuously seek new challenges to gain new and valuable experiences and serve our clients' needs. Our collaboration took us this time to the Teddington Lock Footbridge, where the bridge bearing would need to be replaced. The client needed a classified point cloud and vectors to plan the placement of the "bridge jack" to lift the bridge structure and replace the old bearings.
1. Fig. - One of the bearings that needs to be replaced
The bridge and its environment were a standard scanning task. But to obtain a detailed image of the bearing itself, our team faced a challenge as there was no easy way to approach the abutment and position the scanner correctly to provide an adequate point cloud for our client. The use of a ladder or scaffolding was not an option, but we did not leave our clients hanging. Our brave crew abseiled from above to the correct position.
2. Fig. - Inspection of the bearings using alpine technique - the scanner used the same approach to reach the shelf
After scanning, classification and line extraction were performed. In our case, the classification was a quick manual one, where we separated the bridge structure, the vegetation, the noise, and the supporting structures into separate classes.
3. Fig. - Point cloud before classification
4. Fig. - Point cloud after classification
Our clients rarely request classification for the point clouds. Still, classification has significant advantages, like reduced noise caused by cars and people. It is also a great tool for preparing machine learning training datasets for point cloud extraction and classification. If the cloud is utilised in other ways by the client, a ground classification can also be very beneficial.
We have provided our client with an accurate CAD drawing, precisely showcasing the main features of the bridge structure and the bearings, including various cross-sections. This level of detail aids the planning of the installation of the jack, ensuring the bridge structure can be lifted, and the bearings can be changed safely and effectively.
5. Fig. - The point cloud with vectors
6. Fig. - The extracted vectors according the client needs
Using the point cloud we have modelled the bearing itself so the replacement can be manufactured.
7. Fig. - The 3D model of the bearings