icccbe 2010 © Nottingham University Press Proceedings of the International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering W Tizani (Editor) Abstract The potential for remote sensing techniques, in particular LiDAR, in the monitoring of engineered infrastructure asset networks such as flood defence embankments is an area attracting increased interest and research in recent years. However, there are significant limitations in acquiring suitable data sets of actual LiDAR data for these purposes. The paper describes a potential solution to this problem in the use of computer simulation of LiDAR surveys for flood defence embankments. The simulation enables researchers or asset managers to investigate the results of LiDAR surveys at various resolutions with user specified failures (modelled as surface deformations) incorporated. An example simulation is included based on an actual embankment surveyed as part of the broader project. Initial results have demonstrated the potential utility of this approach and further opportunities for this approach. Keywords: LiDAR, simulation, infrastructure, asset management 1 Introduction and background to the work The monitoring and inspection of infrastructure assets such as flood defences or highway embankments is a critical aspect of their management. It is an area attracting increased interest worldwide due to a combination of ageing infrastructure networks in the developed world and the rapid growth of such networks in the developing world. New technological methods for asset monitoring with increases in the accuracy and practicality of methods such as airborne LiDAR, have led to the potential for innovation within this field. The need to rely solely on the subjective judgement of a qualitative, visual inspection is no longer the only viable mechanism for the monitoring of infrastructure assets. Airborne LiDAR is typically used for digital terrain modelling and topographical mapping applications (Smith et al., 2006). Its use for the monitoring of infrastructure assets is a relatively new development (Burton & Scott, 2006) and its potential for this specific application has not been fully evaluated, particularly in terms of the practical and logistical implications of its use. A lack of suitable LiDAR datasets, i.e. of sufficient resolution and with numerous surveys at different temporal periods, lead to the proposal for, and development of, a computer simulation of LiDAR surveys for embankments. This would allow analysis of a range of data sets, even beyond present day capabilities, to be investigated for their suitability and potential for flood asset monitoring. Simulation of airborne LiDAR for the assessment of its role in infrastructure asset monitoring G Long, M J Mawdesley, M Smith & A Taha University of Nottingham, UK