Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board · 2017 · 17 citations · 0 references
EngineeringCivil EngineeringSystems EngineeringAerial RoboticsBridge EngineeringUnmanned Aircraft SystemsBridge Condition AssessmentBridge ConstructionBridge DesignBridge Structural AnalysisReconnaissance ApplicationsStructural TestingBridge AutomationBridge Health MonitoringBridge Safety SystemsInfrastructure InspectionInspection ApplicationsUnmanned Aircraft Systems IntegrationUnmanned Aircraft Systems RegulationUnmanned Airspace Integration
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.