Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Bridge Inspections

The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Collins Engineers have been researching the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) as a tool for bridge inspections. Phase 1 of an implementation study has been completed, and a Phase 2 study is nearing completion. Phase 3 of the research effort will start early in 2017. These research studies are looking at current FAA regulations and evaluating the advantages and challenges of using UASs for bridge inspections; the results are promising. The research has tested different types of UASs on eight bridges of varying configuration, size, location, and condition to determine the effectiveness of UASs as a tool to supplement bridge inspections.

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Integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into State Department of Transportation Highway Bridge Inspection Procedures: Challenges, Implications, and Lessons Learned

Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board ◽

10.1177/03611981211044450 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036119812110444

Author(s):

Michael Plotnikov ◽

John Collura

Keyword(s):

State Department ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Unmanned Aircraft ◽

Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽

Highway Bridge ◽

Department Of Transportation ◽

Bridge Inspection ◽

Aircraft Systems ◽

Wide Range ◽

Bridge Inspections

Rapid proliferation of small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) promises to revolutionize traditional methods used to carry out civil engineering surveys and analyses and conduct physical infrastructure inspections. One of the most promising areas of implementation of innovative UAS technology includes the integration of UAS into current state Department of Transportation (DOT) bridge inspections. While regular bridge inspections are paramount for road user safety, many traditional inspection methods and procedures are cumbersome, expensive, and time consuming; present significant hazards to both the traveling public and the inspection personnel; and are disruptive to normal operations of the transportation facilities. The results of recent studies indicate that UAS can serve as a useful tool in many highway bridge inspection procedures, while significantly reducing costs and time and improving safety. The major factors that affect the success of integrating UAS into the bridge inspection process relate to selection of the proper types of UAS platforms and avionics, data collection sensors and processing software, as well as conduct of task-specific pilot training. The paper provides an examination of current standard bridge inspection procedures and protocols currently carried out by state DOTs; an evaluation of state DOT experiences with the integration of UAS technology into bridge inspections; and an assessment of the issues and challenges associated with this technology. It is expected that this paper will be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders representing state and federal governments, academia, and industry.

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Bridge Inspections with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Case Studies

Journal of Bridge Engineering ◽

10.1061/(asce)be.1943-5592.0001376 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 05019003 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Andrew P. Tomiczek ◽

Travis J. Whitley ◽

Jennifer A. Bridge ◽

Peter G. Ifju

Keyword(s):

Case Studies ◽

Unmanned Aircraft ◽

Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽

Aircraft Systems ◽

Bridge Inspections

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Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Bridge Inspection Safety

Drones ◽

10.3390/drones4030040 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 40

Author(s):

Bryan Hubbard ◽

Sarah Hubbard

Keyword(s):

Unmanned Aircraft ◽

Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽

Department Of Transportation ◽

Bridge Inspection ◽

Potential Harm ◽

Aircraft Systems ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Benefit Cost ◽

Excellent Tool

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are an excellent tool to remove bridge inspection workers from potential harm. Previous research has documented that UAS for bridge inspection is a strategic priority of a state’s Department of Transportation (DOT), and this paper presents how they can increase safety and presents one methodology to quantify the economic benefit. Although previous studies have documented the potential benefits of using UAS for bridge inspection, these studies have primarily focused on efficiency and capabilities. This paper investigates in greater detail the potential to use UAS to increase the safety of bridge inspection, and includes the results of a survey of bridge inspectors, as well as a benefit cost methodology that utilizes worker compensation rates to quantify the safety benefits of UAS; the methodology is demonstrated using a case study for a DOT. The results of this research present evidence that UAS can increase the safety of bridge inspection, and the benefit–cost methodology and analysis suggest that using UAS to increase safety will provide benefits that are greater than agency costs.

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