Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 28 December 2023

Ankang Ji, Xiaolong Xue, Limao Zhang, Xiaowei Luo and Qingpeng Man

Crack detection of pavement is a critical task in the periodic survey. Efficient, effective and consistent tracking of the road conditions by identifying and locating crack

Abstract

Purpose

Crack detection of pavement is a critical task in the periodic survey. Efficient, effective and consistent tracking of the road conditions by identifying and locating crack contributes to establishing an appropriate road maintenance and repair strategy from the promptly informed managers but still remaining a significant challenge. This research seeks to propose practical solutions for targeting the automatic crack detection from images with efficient productivity and cost-effectiveness, thereby improving the pavement performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a novel deep learning method named TransUnet for crack detection, which is structured based on Transformer, combined with convolutional neural networks as encoder by leveraging a global self-attention mechanism to better extract features for enhancing automatic identification. Afterward, the detected cracks are used to quantify morphological features from five indicators, such as length, mean width, maximum width, area and ratio. Those analyses can provide valuable information for engineers to assess the pavement condition with efficient productivity.

Findings

In the training process, the TransUnet is fed by a crack dataset generated by the data augmentation with a resolution of 224 × 224 pixels. Subsequently, a test set containing 80 new images is used for crack detection task based on the best selected TransUnet with a learning rate of 0.01 and a batch size of 1, achieving an accuracy of 0.8927, a precision of 0.8813, a recall of 0.8904, an F1-measure and dice of 0.8813, and a Mean Intersection over Union of 0.8082, respectively. Comparisons with several state-of-the-art methods indicate that the developed approach in this research outperforms with greater efficiency and higher reliability.

Originality/value

The developed approach combines TransUnet with an integrated quantification algorithm for crack detection and quantification, performing excellently in terms of comparisons and evaluation metrics, which can provide solutions with potentially serving as the basis for an automated, cost-effective pavement condition assessment scheme.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2021

Gang Li, Yongqiang Chen, Jian Zhou, Xuan Zheng and Xue Li

Periodic inspection and maintenance are essential for effective pavement preservation. Cracks not only affect the appearance of the road and reduce the levelness, but also shorten…

Abstract

Purpose

Periodic inspection and maintenance are essential for effective pavement preservation. Cracks not only affect the appearance of the road and reduce the levelness, but also shorten the life of road. However, traditional road crack detection methods based on manual investigations and image processing are costly, inefficiency and unreliable. The research aims to replace the traditional road crack detection method and further improve the detection effect.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a crack detection method based on matrix network fusing corner-based detection and segmentation network is proposed to effectively identify cracks. The method combines ResNet 152 with matrix network as the backbone network to achieve feature reuse of the crack. The crack region is identified by corners, and segmentation network is constructed to extract the crack. Finally, parameters such as the length and width of the cracks were calculated from the geometric characteristics of the cracks and the relative errors with the actual values were 4.23 and 6.98% respectively.

Findings

To improve the accuracy of crack detection, the model was optimized with the Adam algorithm and mixed with two publicly available datasets for model training and testing and compared with various methods. The results show that the detection performance of our method is better than many excellent algorithms, and the anti-interference ability is strong.

Originality/value

This paper proposed a new type of road crack detection method. The detection effect is better than a variety of detection algorithms and has strong anti-interference ability, which can completely replace traditional crack detection methods and meet engineering needs.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 January 2024

Faris Elghaish, Sandra Matarneh, Essam Abdellatef, Farzad Rahimian, M. Reza Hosseini and Ahmed Farouk Kineber

Cracks are prevalent signs of pavement distress found on highways globally. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) for crack detection is increasingly…

Abstract

Purpose

Cracks are prevalent signs of pavement distress found on highways globally. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) for crack detection is increasingly considered as an optimal solution. Consequently, this paper introduces a novel, fully connected, optimised convolutional neural network (CNN) model using feature selection algorithms for the purpose of detecting cracks in highway pavements.

Design/methodology/approach

To enhance the accuracy of the CNN model for crack detection, the authors employed a fully connected deep learning layers CNN model along with several optimisation techniques. Specifically, three optimisation algorithms, namely adaptive moment estimation (ADAM), stochastic gradient descent with momentum (SGDM), and RMSProp, were utilised to fine-tune the CNN model and enhance its overall performance. Subsequently, the authors implemented eight feature selection algorithms to further improve the accuracy of the optimised CNN model. These feature selection techniques were thoughtfully selected and systematically applied to identify the most relevant features contributing to crack detection in the given dataset. Finally, the authors subjected the proposed model to testing against seven pre-trained models.

Findings

The study's results show that the accuracy of the three optimisers (ADAM, SGDM, and RMSProp) with the five deep learning layers model is 97.4%, 98.2%, and 96.09%, respectively. Following this, eight feature selection algorithms were applied to the five deep learning layers to enhance accuracy, with particle swarm optimisation (PSO) achieving the highest F-score at 98.72. The model was then compared with other pre-trained models and exhibited the highest performance.

Practical implications

With an achieved precision of 98.19% and F-score of 98.72% using PSO, the developed model is highly accurate and effective in detecting and evaluating the condition of cracks in pavements. As a result, the model has the potential to significantly reduce the effort required for crack detection and evaluation.

Originality/value

The proposed method for enhancing CNN model accuracy in crack detection stands out for its unique combination of optimisation algorithms (ADAM, SGDM, and RMSProp) with systematic application of multiple feature selection techniques to identify relevant crack detection features and comparing results with existing pre-trained models.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2021

Eslam Mohammed Abdelkader

Cracks on surface are often identified as one of the early indications of damage and possible future catastrophic structural failure. Thus, detection of cracks is vital for the…

Abstract

Purpose

Cracks on surface are often identified as one of the early indications of damage and possible future catastrophic structural failure. Thus, detection of cracks is vital for the timely inspection, health diagnosis and maintenance of infrastructures. However, conventional visual inspection-based methods are criticized for being subjective, greatly affected by inspector's expertise, labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a novel self-adaptive-based method for automated and semantic crack detection and recognition in various infrastructures using computer vision technologies. The developed method is envisioned on three main models that are structured to circumvent the shortcomings of visual inspection in detection of cracks in walls, pavement and deck. The first model deploys modified visual geometry group network (VGG19) for extraction of global contextual and local deep learning features in an attempt to alleviate the drawbacks of hand-crafted features. The second model is conceptualized on the integration of K-nearest neighbors (KNN) and differential evolution (DE) algorithm for the automated optimization of its structure. The third model is designated for validating the developed method through an extensive four layers of performance evaluation and statistical comparisons.

Findings

It was observed that the developed method significantly outperformed other crack and detection models. For instance, the developed wall crack detection method accomplished overall accuracy, F-measure, Kappa coefficient, area under the curve, balanced accuracy, Matthew's correlation coefficient and Youden's index of 99.62%, 99.16%, 0.998, 0.998, 99.17%, 0.989 and 0.983, respectively.

Originality/value

Literature review lacks an efficient method which can look at crack detection and recognition of an ensemble of infrastructures. Furthermore, there is absence of systematic and detailed comparisons between crack detection and recognition models.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Sandra Matarneh, Faris Elghaish, Amani Al-Ghraibah, Essam Abdellatef and David John Edwards

Incipient detection of pavement deterioration (such as crack identification) is critical to optimizing road maintenance because it enables preventative steps to be implemented to…

Abstract

Purpose

Incipient detection of pavement deterioration (such as crack identification) is critical to optimizing road maintenance because it enables preventative steps to be implemented to mitigate damage and possible failure. Traditional visual inspection has been largely superseded by semi-automatic/automatic procedures given significant advancements in image processing. Therefore, there is a need to develop automated tools to detect and classify cracks.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review is employed to evaluate existing attempts to use Hough transform algorithm and highlight issues that should be improved. Then, developing a simple low-cost crack detection method based on the Hough transform algorithm for pavement crack detection and classification.

Findings

Analysis results reveal that model accuracy reaches 92.14% for vertical cracks, 93.03% for diagonal cracks and 95.61% for horizontal cracks. The time lapse for detecting the crack type for one image is circa 0.98 s for vertical cracks, 0.79 s for horizontal cracks and 0.83 s for diagonal cracks. Ensuing discourse serves to illustrate the inherent potential of a simple low-cost image processing method in automated pavement crack detection. Moreover, this method provides direct guidance for long-term pavement optimal maintenance decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this research can help highway agencies to detect and classify cracks accurately for a very long highway without a need for manual inspection, which can significantly minimize cost.

Originality/value

Hough transform algorithm was tested in terms of detect and classify a large dataset of highway images, and the accuracy reaches 92.14%, which can be considered as a very accurate percentage regarding automated cracks and distresses classification.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2021

Faris Elghaish, Sandra T. Matarneh, Saeed Talebi, Soliman Abu-Samra, Ghazal Salimi and Christopher Rausch

The massive number of pavements and buildings coupled with the limited inspection resources, both monetary and human, to detect distresses and recommend maintenance actions lead…

Abstract

Purpose

The massive number of pavements and buildings coupled with the limited inspection resources, both monetary and human, to detect distresses and recommend maintenance actions lead to rapid deterioration, decreased service life, lower level of service and increased community disruption. Therefore, this paper aims at providing a state-of-the-art review of the literature with respect to deep learning techniques for detecting distress in both pavements and buildings; research advancements per asset/structure type; and future recommendations in deep learning applications for distress detection.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical analysis was conducted on 181 papers of deep learning-based cracks detection. A structured analysis was adopted so that major articles were analyzed according to their focus of study, used methods, findings and limitations.

Findings

The utilization of deep learning to detect pavement cracks is advanced compared to assess and evaluate the structural health of buildings. There is a need for studies that compare different convolutional neural network models to foster the development of an integrated solution that considers the data collection method. Further research is required to examine the setup, implementation and running costs, frequency of capturing data and deep learning tool. In conclusion, the future of applying deep learning algorithms in lieu of manual inspection for detecting distresses has shown promising results.

Practical implications

The availability of previous research and the required improvements in the proposed computational tools and models (e.g. artificial intelligence, deep learning, etc.) are triggering researchers and practitioners to enhance the distresses’ inspection process and make better use of their limited resources.

Originality/value

A critical and structured analysis of deep learning-based crack detection for pavement and buildings is conducted for the first time to enable novice researchers to highlight the knowledge gap in each article, as well as building a knowledge base from the findings of other research to support developing future workable solutions.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

Vassilios Kappatos and Evangelos Dermatas

In outside constructions (e.g. aircraft frames, bridges, tanks and ships) real‐life noises reduce significantly the capability of location and characterization of crack events…

Abstract

Purpose

In outside constructions (e.g. aircraft frames, bridges, tanks and ships) real‐life noises reduce significantly the capability of location and characterization of crack events. Among the most important types of noise is the rain, producing a signal similar to crack. This paper seeks to present a robust crack detection system with simultaneous raining conditions and additive white‐Gaussian noise at −20 to 20 dB signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed crack detection system consists of two sequentially, connected modules: the feature extraction module where 15 robust features are derived from the signal and a radial basis function neural network is built up in the pattern classification module to extract the crack events.

Findings

The evaluation process is carried out in a database consisting of over 4,000 simulated cracks and drops signals. The analysis showed that the detection accuracy using the most robust 15 features ranges from 77.7 to 93 percent in noise‐free environment. This is a promising method for non‐destructive testing (NDT) by acoustic emission method of aircraft frame structures in extremely noisy conditions.

Practical implications

Continuous monitoring of crack events in the field requires the development of advance noise reduction and signal identification techniques. Robust detection of crack signals in noisy environment, including raining drops, improves significantly the reliability of real‐time monitoring systems in large and complex constructions and in adverse weather conditions.

Originality/value

As far as is known this is the first time that an efficient system is presented and evaluated which deals with the problem of crack detection in adverse environment including both stationary and non‐stationary noise components. Moreover, it provides further information on the engineering and efficiency problems associated with NDT techniques in the aircraft industry.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 79 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2020

Xiaoliang Qian, Jing Li, Jianwei Zhang, Wenhao Zhang, Weichao Yue, Qing-E Wu, Huanlong Zhang, Yuanyuan Wu and Wei Wang

An effective machine vision-based method for micro-crack detection of solar cell can economically improve the qualified rate of solar cells. However, how to extract features which…

Abstract

Purpose

An effective machine vision-based method for micro-crack detection of solar cell can economically improve the qualified rate of solar cells. However, how to extract features which have strong generalization and data representation ability at the same time is still an open problem for machine vision-based methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A micro-crack detection method based on adaptive deep features and visual saliency is proposed in this paper. The proposed method can adaptively extract deep features from the input image without any supervised training. Furthermore, considering the fact that micro-cracks can obviously attract visual attention when people look at the solar cell’s surface, the visual saliency is also introduced for the micro-crack detection.

Findings

Comprehensive evaluations are implemented on two existing data sets, where subjective experimental results show that most of the micro-cracks can be detected, and the objective experimental results show that the method proposed in this study has better performance in detecting precision.

Originality/value

First, an adaptive deep features extraction scheme without any supervised training is proposed for micro-crack detection. Second, the visual saliency is introduced for micro-crack detection.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 40 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2023

Fatima Barrarat, Karim Rayane, Bachir Helifa, Samir Bensaid and Iben Khaldoun Lefkaier

Detecting the orientation of cracks is a major challenge in the development of eddy current nondestructive testing probes. Eddy current-based techniques are limited in their…

Abstract

Purpose

Detecting the orientation of cracks is a major challenge in the development of eddy current nondestructive testing probes. Eddy current-based techniques are limited in their ability to detect cracks that are not perpendicular to induced current flows. This study aims to investigate the application of the rotating electromagnetic field method to detect arbitrary orientation defects in conductive nonferrous parts. This method significantly improves the detection of cracks of any orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A new rotating uniform eddy current (RUEC) probe is presented. Two exciting pairs consisting of similar square-shaped coils are arranged orthogonally at the same lifting point, thus avoiding further adjustment of the excitation system to generate a rotating electromagnetic field, eliminating any need for mechanical rotation and focusing this field with high density. A circular detection coil serving as a receiver is mounted in the middle of the excitation system.

Findings

A simulation model of the rotating electromagnetic field system is performed to determine the rules and characteristics of the electromagnetic signal distribution in the defect area. Referring to the experimental results aimed to detect artificial cracks at arbitrary angles in underwater structures using the rotating alternating current field measurement (RACFM) system in Li et al. (2016), the model proposed in this paper is validated.

Originality/value

CEDRAT FLUX 3D simulation results showed that the proposed probe can detect cracks with any orientation, maintaining the same sensitivity, which demonstrates its effectiveness. Furthermore, the proposed RUEC probe, associated with the exploitation procedure, allows us to provide a full characterization of the crack, namely, its length, depth and orientation in a one-pass scan, by analyzing the magnetic induction signal.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Athanasios C. Chasalevris and Chris A. Papadopoulos

The purpose of this paper is to present a method for early crack detection in rotating shafts. A rotor-bearing system, consisting of an elastic rotor mounted on fluid film…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method for early crack detection in rotating shafts. A rotor-bearing system, consisting of an elastic rotor mounted on fluid film bearings, is used to detect the presence of the crack at a depth of around 5 percent of shaft radius. The fluid film bearings, the shaft and the crack introduce coupled bending vibrations both in the horizontal and vertical plane. Experimental time series of the rotor composite response under normal steady-state operation are uncoupled, to develop a signal processing procedure able to reveal the presence of the crack.

Design/methodology/approach

The variation of the coupling property that a crack (breathing or not) or a cut (always open) introduces into the system and the localization of the coupling in the time domain is a concept proposed as a means to detect transverse surface cracks in rotating shafts. This consideration is combined with the concept of external excitation for the development of an additional crack-sensitive response during system normal operation. Using an external excitation of an active magnetic bearing of specific duration, frequency and amplitude, the method uses this coupling variation during rotation.

Findings

The method is simple, quick and effective for early crack detection, being able to detect cracks as shallow as 5 percent of the shaft radius while the system is under normal operation, and can even be applied real-time. Experimental verification uses a simple elastic rotor with a cut mounted on fluid film bearings, with the cut producing similar coupling phenomena as an opened crack. Experimental results are encouraging.

Originality/value

The method used is simple, quick and effective for early crack detection, being able to detect cracks as shallow as 5 percent of the shaft radius while the system is under normal operation, and can even be applied real-time.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000