3D rebar inspection tool Modely has received the Start-up Encouragement Award at the Infrastructure DX Awards organised by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport.
Modely was developed by DataLabs, a start-up that specialises in cloud-based systems for construction operations, using automatic 3D modelling technology from point cloud data.
The Start-up Encouragement Award recognises the potential for improved productivity in inspection tasks and infrastructure maintenance through the use of automatically generated 3D models.
Modely uses scanned rebar point cloud data uploaded from devices like LiDAR-equipped iPads. By clicking to specify the inspection area on the screen, the tool detects and automatically models the rebars within the specified range.
The generated model can be used to automatically measure inspection items such as rebar count and spacing, as well as generate reports. Modely can also measure cover thickness and lap length. Contractors and clients can share point cloud data, 3D models and reports via the cloud, with the option to add comments and photos to specified areas as needed.
Traditional rebar inspections cost 1.6m yen in labour for measurements, photography and reports. Modely reduces costs to as low as 1m yen.
Meanwhile. inspection time can be reduced from approximately 150 minutes per inspection to 30 minutes per inspection.
Infrastructure DX Awards: Revitalising Japan’s construction industry
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport has been organising the Infrastructure DX Awards, previously known as the i-Construction Awards, since 2017, with the aim of sharing best practices for improving productivity on construction sites.
The Startup Encouragement Award was established to support and promote new initiatives in the infrastructure sector and contribute to the revitalisation of the construction industry.
