Details:

Creators:
Otero, Luis Daniel
Corporate Creators:
Florida Institute of Technology. Dept. of Engineering Systems
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Bridges Data Collection Drone Aircraft Field Tests High Mast Lighting Inspection Real Time Information Structural Health Monitoring
Publication/ Report Number:
BDV28-977-02
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
Florida
Corporate Publisher:
Florida. Dept. of Transportation. Research Center
Abstract:
Bridges and high mast luminaires (HMLs) are key components of transportation infrastructures. Effective inspection

processes are crucial to maintain the structural integrity of these components. The most common approach for

inspections is visual examination by trained and experienced inspectors. A proposed approach to assist inspectors

during the visual inspection process is to use small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) equipped with high-definition

cameras to transmit video data of structural components in near real time. The use of sUAS as tools for structural

inspections can significantly reduce costs and safety risks associated with inspectors and motorists, and improve the

effectiveness and accuracy of structural health evaluations. Following a systems engineering approach, a proof-of-concept initial study was conducted to identify system limitations and gain insights into the expected usefulness of sUAS

as tools for structural inspections. Extensive indoor controlled experiments using industrial fans were conducted to

evaluate sUAS flight response in controlled wind conditions, to measure image quality in different flight scenarios, and to

determine image quality in low-light conditions. Altitude, payload, and maneuverability tests were conducted to

understand sUAS performance and limitation parameters related to their use for transportation infrastructure inspections.

In full coordination with FDOT, limited field tests were conducted to collect image data of underside bridge sections and

HMLs. The collected images were of similar quality than those collected by inspectors during previous inspections. In

addition, a basic sUAS flight training program was developed, and a preliminary cost analysis was conducted to estimate

the cost for using sUAS as tools during inspections. Preliminary results showed potential cost savings in man-hours by

using an sUAS approach instead of conventional methods. Overall, results provided evidence that significant benefits

can be obtained from using sUAS during bridge and HML inspections. However, there still exist gaps that need to be

addressed in order to use these aerial systems safely and effectively in practice. Various future research areas are

identified to close these gaps and increase the general understanding of sUAS for structural inspections.


Format:
PDF
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:f9538cf2c78fda428710e4238629c604eeb448f89ac6d9c28f68f3999628392c
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/29176/dot_29176_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

• No Additional Files

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