Development of HBMIM model for 3D automatic monitoring of heritage building

Description

Through this PhD program, it will be established a SMART monitoring system suitable for heritage buildings. Heritage buildings not only require long-term monitoring, but also have constraints that make it difficult to install sensors in the building. Therefore, various imaging techniques that can realize three-dimensional shapes will be applied by breaking away from the existing sensing technology that relies on attachment or embedment. Through 3D laser scanning, not only can the detailed 3D shape of the Heritage Building be realized, but also the detailed shape of the Heritage Building can be realised by 3D digital images and thermography using an infrared thermal camera and drone. These three-dimensional imaging techniques can be used for non-contact monitoring as well as restoration in the event of damage to a heritage building.

A three-dimensional point cloud obtained by laser scanning, three-dimensional thermography obtained by an infrared thermal camera, and a three-dimensional digital image obtained by a drone will be the raw data used in this project. Developing a platform that can detect structural deformation by combining raw data implemented in three dimensions into one coordinate axis is the first step in research that we intend to pursue in the future. Heritage Building Monitoring Information Model (HBMIM) is a platform to be developed in this study, and all collected data can be managed in one system. Therefore, all data of each sensing technology is accumulated in one information model in real-time. The second stage of this study is the automation of data analysis technology for damage detection of heritage buildings. The technology to automatically analyse 3D image data is a challenge in this study. Heritage buildings can be monitored in real time after automatically analysing 3D point clouds, thermal infrared images, and digital images with deep learning algorithms such as CNN as well as recently used YOLOv5.

In this study, a laser scanning system is necessary to realize the three-dimensional shape of the heritage building with high accuracy. Dr. Seo's research group has the FARO S+150 scanner, which can provide the most important data for building the HBMIM model in this study. In addition, to measure the dynamic behaviour of a heritage building, a camera capable of measuring the dynamic behaviour and high-level measurement technology are required. IMETRUM is conducting joint research with Dr Seo's research group, and has promised to provide free technical support for data acquisition during field tests as well as cameras that can measure dynamic behaviour. HELIGUY also promised technical support for implementing three-dimensional images by drones. Field tests for heritage building monitoring require not only on-site provision but also personnel support such as on-site managers. English Heritage and Victoria Gallery and Museum have agreed to provide a suitable site for this research, as well as to assist with needs during field tests.

PhD student can develop and apply the HBMIM model with the support of each institution. Ultimately, this project will suggest a way for the HBMIM model to manage the monitoring of heritage buildings across the UK from the head office together with English Heritage.

If you have any inquiries, please contact Dr Hyungjoon Seo (hyungjoon.seo@liverpool.ac.uk).

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered. 

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form applying for a PhD in Civil Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up to date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.

After uploading all documents, please also send the email to Dr Hyungjoon Seo (hyungjoon.seo@liverpool.ac.uk) with all documents.

Enquiries

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor Dr Hyungjoon Seo on: hyungjoon.seo@liverpool.ac.uk, those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the School Postgraduate Office pgeng@liverpool.ac.uk.