Development of Augmented Reality Application for Onsite Inspection of Expressway Structures Using Microsoft HoloLens

Abstract

This research introduces an augmented reality (AR)-based approach for the onsite inspection of expressway structures by developing an AR application, namely HoloSpector,deployed on the first generation of the Microsoft HoloLens headset. It was tested by afocus group of 10 postgraduate students, followed by three inspectors from the ExpresswayAuthority of Thailand (EXAT), to investigate the practical applicability of the application.A questionnaire was employed as a research tool for measurement and assessment ofthe application and the HoloLens in this study. The results of this study indicated that thedeveloped digital approach was satisfactory, easy to use and learn, useful, user-friendlyand practical for EXAT expressway inspections; the users also intended to use it. Comparedto the conventional approach, the current data communication and management couldbe significantly improved; this digital approach has the potential to help save resources,time and cost and increase work productivity