Concrete/corrugated metal culverts (straight, 50-150 ft long, 12" -48" diameter) are currently inspected visually and less frequently with ground robots by MDOT SHA. The condition of most culverts is unclear due to inspection limitations, which impacts maintenance prioritization. An improved inspection process would allow for a more proactive approach to culvert maintenance. The research team conducted video culvert inspections in St. Mary’s County with a small, caged drone (i.e. small Unmanned Aircraft System or sUAS) to compare the results with current inspection methodologies. The drone was a Flyability Elios 2, specifically designed for inspections in confined spaces. Multiple inspections of four culverts along MD-235 were successful and demonstrated a strong proof of concept for video culvert inspection by drone, up to a certain culvert length and in certain conditions. Indications were video inspections by drone were simpler, faster, more reliable, and more thorough than existing procedures under normal conditions. The Elios 2 is now the property of MDOT SHA, so further operational testing and experience is possible.
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have become increasingly popular on construction sites. In fact, UAS utilization has flourished in nearly all areas of e...
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Technology Research and Development Branch personnel conducted a research effort to evaluate the use of ...
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