Construction of a point cloud FE model of the structure and its validity by static load tests

Abstract

In this study, an FE model of a structure was constructed by the extending algorithm for constructing point cloud FE models that the authors have studied. The point cloud FE model was built from dense point cloud data by box-grid downsampling of the point cloud, segmentation of structural parts, finding contour in each section, 2D Delaunay triangulation in the section, making solid elements by connecting triangles, reconnecting structural parts and exporting to a formatted file. Static loading tests for a removed railway bridge and a linear static analysis of the FE model were conducted to verify the method. The point cloud FE model provided quantitative structural stresses, and the experimental and analytical results generally agreed with each other at the location of maximum stresses.