"That level of forensic clarity is what leads to an outcome, to form a decision with confidence."
Fulcrum, a leading robotics service provider, use Trendspek to deliver full structural context and thermal monitoring of large dams in Tasmania, Australia.
Fulcrum sought a technology solution capable of delivering detailed structural insights, while also providing thermal 3D modeling to support environmental projects. Trendspek proved to be the solution.
“The reason we’re using Trendspek, is because the quality of the data output is very high when compared to other systems. Other systems are good, but they are focused on mapping and produce lower quality 3D models. The client looks at those models and thinks “that’s nice,” and that’s about it,” explains Mike Larkin, Managing Director of Fuclrum.
“We do a lot of asset and environmental work, so we need to be able to sit down and show clients what the issues are. They need to be able to interrogate the models, and those issues, to form an opinion that has an engineering aspect to it and produce a clear and confident outcome."
"Our clients like to do things the old way, so we were looking for a software solution that had that granularity in terms of data quality, and that focus on risk mitigation.”
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“The level of forensic clarity that Trendspek provides is what leads to an outcome. It leads to that image being sent to the engineer to get advice or form a decision with confidence.”
vs. 1 week with traditional methods
vs. high-risk manual rope inspection
vs. 50 with traditional methods
vs. manual inspection costs
“Typically, we’re engaged to bring information on an asset to a customer that may be related to a very specific issue.
Using Trendspek, we developed photogrammetry and thermal models for local storages in and around Hobart, including older dams – because they typically want to know if there is any horizontal or vertical cracking occurring in a specific locations on a dam wall.
This is a highly political and social issue, the failure consequence rating for many dams around the greater Hobart area is typically quite high. We were confident the old software wouldn’t give us the level of clarity our clients needed to make the required decisions."
In many situations, our client needs to understand the state of any defects, cracks or other deformation, so engineers can form an opinion on whether they would take the asset out of service – very big, important and costly decisions."
"Because of the nature of the assets, it’s also very useful for the client to be able to refer back to the model on an issue in the future.”
“Large dams can be really dangerous if they aren’t managed well. The models we provide are so detailed and so accurate that the client didn’t need to engage a lot of roped contractors to undertake a detailed inspection of the asset."
By using drone capture and 3D modelling, Fulcrum reduced multi-day projects to a single day. This not not only delivered cost savings — but safer practices for everyone involved.
“Large dams can be really dangerous if they aren’t managed well. The models we provide are so detailed and so accurate, that the client didn’t need to engage a lot of roped contractors to undertake a detailed inspection of the asset.
The model was able to show us and the client where the issues were, and they were then able to target physical inspections, if required.
Large dams can also consume multiple man days of rope work. The Fulcrum team was able to cut down to just 1 day of capture using drones, and a highly detailed 3D model produced in 24 hours.
There’s a large cost saving there, as well as a move towards much safer practices.”
Larkin and his team have previously adopted 3D solutions. However, he highlights the difference with Trendspek.
“I have two 3D models for a large irrigation dam — one in Trendspek, and one in another platform. Using the other platform, I can’t see anything. I can’t see the texture of the concrete or cracking in the concrete,” he explains.
“For Trendspek, the pixel resolution is down at 2cm or below, and when I use the model in Trendspek, the texture and any defects are obvious.”
“That level of forensic clarity is what leads to an outcome. It leads to that image being sent to the engineer to get advice or form a decision with confidence.”
“We have another client that uses Trendspek and refers back to their models often, increasing the value of that original expenditure and process.”
By adopting a digital approach, Fulcrum’s collaboration with Trendspek has set a new standard for large-scale dam inspections.
With unparalleled 3D insights, down to hairline cracks and bolts, Fulcrum provides asset owners with a deeper understanding of their structures to ensure longevity, reliability, and that communities remain protected.
“We have another client that uses Trendspek and refers back to their models often, increasing the value of that original expenditure and process.”
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