Smart tech for smarter building maintenance

Renascent Consultants’s Dushyant Kumar walks us through the tech-enabled solutions for structural inspection. He elucidates how technology is redefining building inspection through predictive maintenance and remote guidance.

What tech-enabled solutions are currently available for structural inspections? And how do these guarantee a higher level of accuracy?
Drones, sensors, infrared thermography, and robotic crawlers are among the modern technologies used for infrastructure inspection. These greatly improve accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Drones (UAVs) provide high-resolution imaging and LiDAR-based 3D modelling for aerial inspections. LiDAR offers precise 3D scans for structural analysis. Structural health monitoring (SHM) utilises embedded sensors to provide real-time data on stress and load changes. Infrared thermography is a non-invasive technique for detecting hidden defects. Robotic crawlers access hard-to-reach areas for safe, consistent inspections. AI and machine learning automate defect detection, reducing errors and improving accuracy. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) maps subsurface features for non-destructive analysis. Together, these tools support predictive maintenance and safer infrastructure management.

How are drones enabling the identification of structural faults, leaks, and other exterior damages?
Drones enhance infrastructure inspections by providing real-time video feeds that facilitate immediate assessment and informed decision-making. AI-assisted fault detection analyses images and videos to identify defects, such as cracks and rust, thereby improving speed and accuracy. They access hazardous and hard-to-reach areas safely, eliminating the need for scaffolding and reducing risks and costs. Equipped with high-resolution imaging, drones capture detailed visuals, which facilitates early damage detection.

How are tools like virtual and augmented reality allowing for remote consultations and providing real-time guidance to technicians during complex repair tasks?
Today, remote consultations and repair guidance are spearheaded by virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). While VR enables immersive collaboration in virtual models for planning and troubleshooting, AR allows technicians to overlay digital instructions on real-world equipment using smart devices, with remote experts providing live guidance. These tools provide real-time repair support through visual overlays, live expert feedback, and integration with digital twins, enabling virtual testing of solutions. Benefits include reduced downtime, improved safety, enhanced training, and faster, more accurate diagnostics, making complex repairs more efficient and precise.

What advanced building management systems are currently available for overseeing building operations remotely?
Modern, advanced building management systems (BMS) utilise cloud, AI, IoT, and mobile technologies, enabling remote and intelligent control of building operations. Several leading systems offer features such as real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and integration with energy, HVAC, lighting, and security systems. Key technologies include IoT sensors, AI for fault detection, cloud access, digital twins, and secure remote connectivity. These systems reduce costs, improve efficiency and comfort, and provide 24/7 virtual monitoring across multiple sites, making building management smarter and more scalable.

How can leveraging IoT sensors, advanced analytics, and real-time monitoring systems help detect and respond to structural anomalies in bridges?
IoT sensors, advanced analytics, and real-time monitoring help bridges transform into smart, self-reporting structures. These technologies enable the early detection of issues such as cracks, tilting, and material fatigue; provide real-time alerts for rapid response to structural stress or anomalies; facilitate predictive maintenance using data trends and machine learning to prevent failures; and support lifecycle management through digital twins and network-level analysis. Tech-enabled monitoring improves safety, reduces costs, minimises downtime, and supports data-driven infrastructure planning.

For more details, visit: https://renascent.co.in/