Bridge inspection using drone technology has been heralded as the next big thing. Using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, to perform inspections on bridges instead of traditional methods has proven to reduce inspection time, be more cost-effective, and also minimize safety risks to bridge inspectors.
Bridge inspection using drone technology
Schemmer uses drones to aid in the inspection of bridges where it serves to provide safety to the inspector and reach areas otherwise unreachable. A recent example of this level of drone use can be seen in our inspection of the LIED trail bridge over the Platte River following devastating floods in 2019. The fast-moving current and immense tree debris made it unsafe for bridge engineers to access and inspect the structure from below. The drone provided our inspectors a view under the bridge, particularly the condition of the girder bearings, allowing for a complete condition assessment of the bridge, expediting the design of repairs.
Looking ahead: Drones for Bridge Inspections
Previously, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has restricted the use of drones for some types of bridge inspections. Today there is a DRAFT edition of Specifications for the National Bridge Inventory advocating for the use of drones during the inspection of bridges. The DRAFT was published in October 2019 for comments. The comment period ended in March 2020 and is now in final review. It is anticipated that the use of drones will move forward on bridge inspections to provide safer and higher quality inspections.
To learn more about bridge inspections using drone technology, or to have your bridge inspected, contact Darin Brown, PE, Schemmer’s Bridge Manager.
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Schemmer is a full-service architecture, engineering and construction field services consultant, providing responsible solutions for complex design and construction-related challenges.
Founded in 1959, we are grounded in our past but remain fully committed to the future. Located in four States and seven offices throughout the Midwest, Schemmer is providing services to clients from coast-to-coast and border-to-border across the United States.
