UTILIZING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) TO CONDUCT BRIDGE INSPECTIONS AND SURVEILLANCE

Abstract

This study discusses the possibilities and constraints of high-definition (HD) imagery and infrared thermography (IRT) of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for bridge inspections. As for the HD imaging, this study reveals the possibility of identifying the minimum width of the cracks of 0.1 mm that is necessary, by employing simulated fractures at a distance of 1-3 m from the bridge. The effect of vibration from the drone on UAVs for IRT applications was analyzed. The article finds that the hovering flight of the drones was very stable and IRT with UAVs can give credible data for bridge inspections. If IRT is employed without hovering flight, the effect of flying speed on the outcomes of IRT must be examined. This article highlights the significant potential of image-based technologies with UAVs as a supplementary approach to current techniques for bridge inspections without any traffic disturbance.