Implementation of augmented reality for segment displacement inspection during tunneling construction

This paper discusses the feasibility of using Augmented Reality (AR) to rapidly inspect segment displacement during tunneling construction. This technology will allow on-site quality inspectors to retrieve the virtual quality control baseline model which can be established according to the quality standard, and overlay that model onto the real segment displacement in AR. Therefore, the structural safety can be automatically evaluated by measuring the differences between the baseline model and the real facility view. Additionally, the feedback can be potentially used to explore how to enhance the tunnel's stability to avoid significant accidents. A case study has been conducted to evaluate the benefits of the inspection using a prototype AR system over a conventional method. The result shows that all inspections and analyses can be conducted on-site, in real-time, and at a very low cost. The proposed approach might enable AR to be applied in on-site inspections more practically and effectively.