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6 Ways Indoor Drones Can Help with Bridge Inspections
Drones are increasingly becoming a go-to solution for a variety of inspection tasks, including bridge inspections. These inspections are unique because they involve both indoor and outdoor challenges. Whether it's checking the intricate underbellies of bridges or assessing the exterior, drones offer a versatile tool for inspectors.
Indoor inspections, such as those of boilers and pressure vessels, are now a standard part of many maintenance routines. Similarly, outdoor inspections of critical infrastructure like cell towers and power lines are growing in frequency. However, bridge inspections stand out due to their hybrid nature—they're always outdoors but often require navigating tight spaces akin to indoor environments.
For a deeper dive into bridge inspections, check out this comprehensive guide. On one side, flying drones commercially, like in the U.S., comes with specific rules—such as requiring certified pilots and airspace permissions. On the other hand, bridges pose unique challenges, including confined spaces that are difficult for drones to maneuver through.
Here are six ways drones are revolutionizing bridge inspections today:
### 1. COST-EFFECTIVENESS
Traditionally, bridge inspections involve snooper trucks, which are costly and risky. With drones, inspectors no longer need to use these trucks, drastically reducing costs. Additionally, drones lower liability insurance premiums, reduce manpower needs, and speed up the inspection process, minimizing traffic disruptions and overall expenses. A 2019 AASHTO study found drones could cut inspection costs by 75%, saving around $14,600 per inspection. In the U.S., with approximately 700,000 active bridges, this could result in billions saved every two years.
### 2. SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
The alternative to snooper trucks has been rope access, which poses significant risks. Drones eliminate these dangers by allowing inspectors to gather visual data remotely, ensuring their safety.
### 3. ACCESSIBILITY
Drones, particularly professional-grade ones like Flyability's Elios 2, can access tight spaces between beams and girders that are otherwise unreachable. This capability ensures no part of the bridge goes unexamined.
### 4. HIGH-QUALITY VISUAL DATA
Unlike manual inspections that focus on specific areas, drones capture comprehensive video footage of the entire bridge. This not only provides a detailed record but also helps track changes over time.
### 5. EFFICIENCY
With drones, inspectors can begin collecting data immediately upon deployment, bypassing the setup time required for snooper trucks. This increases efficiency and reduces traffic delays.
### 6. LONG-TERM RECORDING
Drone footage can be stored and revisited later, offering a historical perspective of the bridge's condition. This data can also be used to create 3D models, aiding in future maintenance efforts.
If you're curious about drones in bridge inspections, read this case study: "Bridge Inspection on Bustling Section of the Trans-Siberian Railroad Made Possible with Elios 2."
Drones are not just tools; they’re game-changers in the world of bridge inspections, offering solutions that were once unimaginable.