Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Unmanned aircraft systems for bridge inspection : testing and developing end-to-end operational workflow

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/xk81jp73g

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  • Bridge inspections are vital for monitoring the health and serviceability of transportation infrastructure throughout the world. However, inspections can be logistically-challenging, expensive, and dangerous. For example, inspections may require climbing, as well as the use of scaffolding, ladders, rescue boats, bucket trucks, and/or under-bridge inspection vehicles. Small, multirotor unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) offer a potential means of overcoming or alleviating some of these challenges. Among the primary benefits of UAS for inspections are the ability to maneuver adeptly in 3D space, change view angles, and acquire high-resolution imagery, enabling the inspector to view (in real time and/or post-flight using post-processing enhancements, as needed) bridge elements in difficult-to-access locations, all while keeping both feet firmly on the ground. As transportation departments, inspection firms, and service providers increasingly recognize these potential benefits, interest in UAS for bridge inspections is growing rapidly. While a number of UAS bridge inspection projects have been documented in published reports and case studies, the rate of change of both UAS technology and associated regulations necessitates additional research and development, especially with regards to operational aspects of UAS bridge inspection. The purpose of this study was to develop, test and document an end-to-end operational workflow for UAS bridge inspections, with a particular focus on regulatory and safety aspects. Since it is recognized that UAS are simply one tool for this particular application, another key focus on this study was on investigating which aspects of bridge inspection can and cannot be aided by UAS. As part of the study, three bridges in Oregon, representing different bridge types, conditions and locations, were inspected using small, multirotor UAS.
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