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6 Ways Indoor Drones Can Help with Bridge Inspections
Drones are increasingly being utilized for a wide range of inspections, from checking out boilers and pressure vessels indoors to examining cell towers and power lines outdoors. However, bridge inspections stand out as a unique application, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor environments.
Bridges, being entirely outdoors, require compliance with standard drone regulations when inspected commercially, such as employing a Part 107-certified pilot in the U.S. But they also present challenges akin to indoor inspections, like navigating tight, hard-to-reach areas. Sometimes, the underside of a bridge can feel like an indoor space due to its confined nature.
Here are six ways drones are enhancing the bridge inspection process today:
1. **COST-EFFECTIVENESS**
Traditional bridge inspections often involve snooper trucks, which are costly and risky. Drones eliminate the need for such vehicles, drastically cutting costs. They also reduce liability insurance premiums, minimize personnel requirements, and expedite inspections, leading to less traffic disruption and lower overall expenses. A 2019 AASHTO study revealed drones could cut bridge inspection costs by 75%, saving around $14,600 per inspection. In the U.S., with approximately 700,000 active bridges, this translates to potential annual savings of over $10 billion.
2. **SAFETY**
Inspectors face risks when manually assessing bridge undersides, whether through snooper trucks or rope access methods. These techniques pose significant hazards, with falls being a constant concern. Drones mitigate these risks by allowing remote data collection, ensuring the safety of inspectors.
3. **ACCESSIBILITY**
Manual inspections can struggle to reach confined spaces beneath bridges. Professional-grade indoor drones, like Flyability’s Elios 2, excel in these tight spots, capturing critical visual data otherwise unattainable. Watch this video showcasing how the Elios 2 enabled a successful bridge inspection in Minnesota.
4. **HIGH-QUALITY DATA**
Unlike manual inspections that focus on specific areas, drones capture comprehensive video footage of the entire bridge. This creates a lasting record of the bridge's condition, aiding communication with stakeholders and tracking changes over time.
5. **EFFICIENCY**
Drones accelerate the inspection process by eliminating setup times for snooper trucks. This leads to smoother operations, faster completion, and shorter traffic disruptions.
6. **DATA RECORDING**
Drone videos can be archived and analyzed later, offering a historical record of the bridge's condition. Additionally, drone data can generate 3D models, providing another valuable reference point for maintenance planning.
For more insights into drones in bridge inspections, check out the case study on how the Elios 2 facilitated an inspection along a busy section of the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
This technology is reshaping bridge inspections, making them safer, more efficient, and cost-effective while preserving vital records for future maintenance.