Improving the Quality of Bridge Inspections Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Status: Complete
Report Date: 08/02/2018

Summary:

Researchers used new unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in 39 bridge and structure inspections to improve the detection, data gathering and data reporting capabilities of these systems. They found that a new collision-resistant drone works well in confined and remote locations. UAS can reduce inspection costs by up to 40 percent over traditional inspection methods because they require fewer crew members, shorten or eliminate traffic closures, and improve safety for crews and drivers, all while producing sophisticated bridge inspection reports that include detailed still, video and 3-D models.

Final Deliverables:

Improving the Quality of Bridge Inspections Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) (Report #2018-26)
MnDOT Continues to Develop UAS Expertise for Bridge Inspection (Research Summary)

Related Materials:

Skydio 2 for Bridge Inspection (Video/Webinar)
Collins Engineers DroneProject Overview (Website)
Video: 2016 State Government Innovation Awards - Unmanned Aircraft System Project (Video/Webinar)
Intel Drone Solutions Modernize and Increase Efficiency for US Bridge Inspections (News/Publication Article)
City Lab (Atlantic) (Video/Webinar)
New Project: Phase 3 of Drone Bridge Inspection Research Focuses on Confined Spaces (Blog Post)

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: Barritt Lovelace
Technical Liaison: Jennifer Randall
Project Coordinator: Debra Fick
Panel Members:
    Amber Blanchard - Metro District
    Dustin Thomas - Metro District
    Edward Lutgen - Bridges
    Paul Pilarski - Bridges
    Sarah Sondag - Bridges