Objectives:
Research and development of a non-intrusive Persistent Track Monitoring system, focus on an innovative airport runway monitoring and analysis solution in adverse weather conditions.
Objectives, activities and expected results:
The Persistent Track Monitoring (MPP) project focuses on an innovative airport runway monitoring and analysis solution in adverse weather conditions. It is a non-intrusive solution, designed to identify situations that may affect the runway’s operations, triggering multichannel notification mechanisms given the risk and severity level associated with the type of occurrence. Using a web platform and based on the Analytics as a service (AaaS) paradigm as well as the use of data analysis techniques (Data Analytics), the solution will allow the production of models to support the management of occurrences and ensure automated information flows for a faster circulation of knowledge and the resolution of identified occurrences.
The project uses LIDAR technology (TLS – Terrestrial Laser Scanning) to perform inspections and to report measurements on the conditions of the runway, namely the identification of risks related to aquaplaning, deformations in the pavement and foreign objects, while simultaneously allowing the visualization of a high precision 3D representation. In terms of innovation, the process automation component with information awareness and visualization mechanisms should be emphasized. The objective is to provide information semantically aligned with the information needs of the decision maker, allowing agile navigation through the information structure. In operational terms, MPP addresses three main objectives:
1) detect the formation of cracks or deformations in the runway pavement, which will allow the airport to adjust lane maintenance operations according to identified needs, reducing environmental impact (thus contributing to extend the lifespan of the infrastructure, mitigating the need for more substantial and more impactful interventions) and the costs associated with maintenance;
2) allow foreign object debris (FOD) to be detected that could significantly affect the operation of the runway;
3) identify the risk of aquaplaning by monitoring the thickness of the water sheet on the track, using optical spectroscopy to calibrate this functionality.
Site: mppproject.eu