Bridge Inspections with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Case Studies
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 24, Issue 4
Abstract
Bridge inspections are important to proactively ensure that structures are safe for use by the traveling public. Accessibility challenges during inspections often necessitate the use of special equipment, such as underbridge inspection vehicles (UBIVs), which impact both cost and risk of inspections. The objective of this research is to develop and demonstrate a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) that can be used to perform bridge inspections that would typically require the use of a UBIV. The sUAS used for this project uses a laser range finder and an optical flow sensor to assist with obstacle avoidance in the GPS-restricted area underneath bridges. This paper provides an account of several demonstration sUAS bridge inspections with an emphasis on incorporating an sUAS into current inspection practices, including a discussion of the advantages and ongoing challenges. Recommended applications for sUAS bridge inspections are provided, including periodically replacing the use of a UBIV for routine inspections of bridges in good condition and inspecting structures with load restrictions, especially post-impact, which may prohibit the use of a UBIV.
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Acknowledgments
This research project was supported by FDOT under Contract BDV31 977-55 (Richard Kerr, project manager). The contents of this paper reflect the views of authors and do not necessarily indicate the views or policies of FDOT.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 24 • Issue 4 • April 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 2, 2018
Accepted: Oct 1, 2018
Published online: Feb 7, 2019
Published in print: Apr 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jul 7, 2019
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