Research and Development

APLITOP cooperates with different universities for developing research projects.

ROAD-BIM: Design and development of BIM technologies for validation and road building project management, their use and security management for these infrastructures

The overall objective of the project is to achieve a more efficient development of road construction projects during all its lifespan through the application of BIM technology in the processes of information management required for its implementation.

This objective will be achieved through the design, development and validation of various specific computer applications for use in the different stages of the road life cycle (design, construction and operation), taking advantage of the potential and possibilities that BIM’s technology offers, thus achieving a more efficient management of the information necessary for the integral development of this typology of projects.

AUTO-BIM: New data adquisition technology for indoor environments and process algorithms for BIM integration

The AUTO-BIM project is framed within redevelopment and quality control activities of building works.

The main objective of the AUTO-BIM project is the creation and validation of a new methodology for the acquisition, processing and management of three-dimensional spatial data in indoor spaces without GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) coverage. This data acquisition will be carried out automatedly by an autonomous mobile robot and the obtained data will be integrated in standardized BIM (Building Information Modelling) information models.

The intended results are time savings, systematization and overall improvement in the redefinition and quality control of building works, computerizing the whole process of monitoring the evolution of works and the detection of deviations from what was planned. This results in cost reduction, faster building works and quality improvement.

PANDORA: Virtual and augmented reality applied to construction projects

The PANDORA project will develop new technological solutions helping the realization of multiple applications in the life cycle of different cases in infrastructure projects, which will allow improving information acquisition, exploitation, representation and interpretation.

Thus, it is proposed the development of a solution based on LiDAR technology and with high resolution vision from 360º HA cameras that allows high value added information to be obtained in environments without GNSS signal (tunnels, ..), integrated in a platform able to be integrated into aerial unmanned vehicles (UAVs) and terrestrial (UGV, SUVs, ..).

For this, an advanced indoor navigation system will have to be developed that will use the same sensor system. It constitutes the payload for positioning and navigation in these environments.

In order to interpret the information, it is proposed the development of software applications based on virtual and augmented reality, which will allow the remote control of the works and the on-site management of the work itself.

This project is being developed with the economic cooperation of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the "Operational Program for Intelligent Growth 2014-2020" and the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, through the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI).

Development of software applications for the geometric definition of exteriors based on 3D scanning techniques and digital photogrammetry

APLITOP has launched a new R & D project entitled "Development of software applications for the geometric definition of exteriors based on 3D scanning and digital photogrammetry techniques".

The midrange scanning is a system increasingly used in public works as a substitute for complex surveying studies. This system provides multiple advantages, since it provides greater volume of data, with more precision and in less time. The software used presents the problem that the visualization of large point clouds can pose performance problems, do not offer advanced filtering methods and none solves the problem of generating a coherent triangle mesh and error-free.

The objective of this project is to create a series of computer applications that allow the reduction of manual editing time to create three-dimensional models, by combining the technologies of points processing with laser scanner and terrestrial photogrammetry. The final objective is the construction of a software tool that allows the exact representation of the scanned surface and the calculation of theoretical and real sections and the comparison between the two, in external scenarios.

The consortium is led by APLITOP and has a partner with the construction company SACYR CONSTRUCIÓN SA and the technical support of the Department of Ground, Cartographic and Geophysical Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.

This project has support in the form of subsidy and credit of the Center for Industrial Technological Development (CDTI) of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and the Technological Fund belonging to the European Regional Development Fund.

Generation of 3D models from aerial images taken from UAVs

Research project carried out in collaboration with the University of Alcalá de Henares. The objective is the generation of dense point clouds took from UAVs photography.

Calculation of uncertainties in surface measurement and volumes from Digital Terrain Model

Research project carried out between the University of Oviedo and APLITOP S.L. The objective of this project was the improvement of the MDT-Professional application regarding the expression of uncertainty and suitability of the Tcp-Control application to the acquisition of signals from structural monitoring sensors.

Monitored process of placing blocks in Mutriku´s port

An application has developed to monitor the placement of blocks of stone in a jetty of Mutriku's Port (Guipuzcoa). For it a Hiper Plus TOPCON GPS receiver has been installed, it is equipped with a Pacific Crest radio in an articulated crane. The application controls the GPS receiver by means of Bluetooth, it allows the worker to take the control of the placement of the blocks in the jetty though they are already immersed.

Construction of a Bridge over the Guadiana River

The project consisted of monitoring any deformations during the construction process of the bridge over the Guadiana River, which formed part of the N-430 Badajoz to Valencia project passing through Almansa. The project was executed by SACYR in 2004.

In order to monitor the deformations, a specific computer application was developed that monitored the process of placing the bridge deck slabs on the pillars. Slab deformation reports were generated. Additionally, the sliding of the slabs in the right direction was monitored. In order to monitor the exact position of each beam, two Trimble 5700 GPS receivers were used, which were located on the beams. In addition, up to six active prisms were located close to the antennas, which were observed by two Trimble 5600 robotized stations.

Any deformations caused to the pillars were represented through a graphic scaling the current position with regard to its theoretical position and another graphic was drawn for each of the pillar supports in which values were calculated taking into account the pillars’ displacements. Lastly, a ground plan and profile graphic of the beam being placed was generated. The program continuously conducted all the previously defined controls, so that if any of the values laid down was exceeded, a warning was displayed on screen, allowing the operator to inform the Works Management team.

Flotation of the Monaco Breakwater

The project consisted of monitoring the procedure of floating the world’s largest floating breakwater, a concrete structure measuring more than 350 meters long and designed to enlarge the Port of Monaco. Its construction was finished in June 2002 in San Roque, Cadiz by a joint temporary enterprise made up of Dragados, FCC and the French engineering firm BEC.

In order to do so, 14 monitoring points equipped with mini-prisms were strategically located. These were observed by two motorized TOPCON GTS-801A total stations connected to a PC through a wireless modem and controlled by an application that constantly monitored the points and generated deformation reports every 30 minutes.

In addition, the application constantly displayed on-screen ground plan and profile graphics of the deformations, as well as the maximum longitudinal and cross-section adjustments, arrows and other indicators. A system of alerts was triggered off if any of the indicators exceeded the thresholds laid down for the project. This system enabled the delicate process of floating the structure to be completed by modifying the ballast or stopping the process when necessary.