Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Dr. Cha is a prominent figure in the field of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), renowned for his pioneering work that enhances the safety and maintenance of civil infrastructure. His research includes groundbreaking methods that have led to significant publications, earning him recognition as one of the top-cited authors in civil engineering discipline. His contributions include the development of an integrated monitoring system that utilizes deep learning for external damage detection combined with an autonomous UAV equipped with RGB cameras. This system is particularly effective in GPS-denied environments, such as under bridge decks. He has also recently innovated techniques to create pixel-wise external damage-mapped 3D digital twin models. However, current limitations in computational resources and UAV technology restrict the full potential of these systems, particularly for inspecting internal damages critical to structural safety. The urgency for advancements is highlighted by the ongoing infrastructure crisis, where failing systems pose significant risks. Dr. Cha recognizes the need to upgrade outdated equipment that is insufficient for managing large 3D models and deep learning networks, which hinders his team's ability to perform large-scale monitoring. A reliable server and a modern UAV equipped with thermal imaging capabilities are essential for addressing these gaps and enabling comprehensive infrastructure inspections. This proposal requests funding for a high-performance, standalone GPU computing server with over 2 Terabytes of RAM and two programable UAVs with RGB and thermal camera equipped to unify the automated SHM system, integrating deep learning-based damage detection from UAV video input and 3D reconstruction for large infrastructures. The goal is to enhance maintenance management efficiency through comprehensive damage distribution insights. While cloud services can offer some capabilities, a dedicated server is essential for the complex integrations required for this research. There is only one programable UAV is available in the market for the autonomous flight for GPS-denied areas. Overall, this initiative addresses critical safety and efficiency needs in the construction sector, leveraging advanced technologies for improved infrastructure management. The integration of modern technologies (deep learning techniques, UAV programming, and damage mapping on 3D reconstructed digital twin) will facilitate training programs for highly qualified personnel. This effort not only addresses immediate technical needs but also prepares the next generation of experts to tackle future challenges in the engineering field. In summary, Dr. Cha's work significantly advances the field of SHM, addressing critical infrastructure safety issues while fostering an inclusive academic environment. His ongoing research and initiatives are vital for developing effective solutions to real-world challenges in civil engineering.