Overcoming the Challenges of Using Unmanned Aircraft for Bridge Inspections
Abstract
Applications for small unmanned aerial vehicles have exploded over the past
decade. Small size, maneuverability, low cost, and versatility enable utilization for applications
not readily accessible by traditional manned aircraft, such as bridge inspections.
However, the challenges associated with conducting inspections in a safe, cost efficient
manner currently exceed the benefits of using an unmanned aircraft for inspection. The
development of a multirotor-based inspection aircraft capable of maintaining flight for
over eight hours is presented. Flight results from a bridge inspection conducted in collaboration
with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and Shafer, Kline, &
Warren (SKW) bridge inspection crews are also discussed. Feedback and recommendations
for inspection platform improvement from MoDOT and SKW inspectors was collected.
Inspectors and flight crew identified challenges with camera exposure, dual pilotinspector
remote control, and aircraft stability. As a result, a new inspection platform was developed allowing for wireless dual remote control and manual control of camera exposure. Finally, and most importantly, a new metric for quantifying UAS handling and pilot workload in GPS denied environments is introduced through rigorous flight testing and the use of a modified Cooper-Harper rating scale. Inspection of the bridge substructure prevented GPS lock and increased pilot workload. To mimic the effects of flying around a bridge flight testing is conducted at the UMKC parking garage where GPS lock is denied. The aircraft and inspection solutions discussed herein have demonstrated success for acquiring meaningful inspection data while conducting safe flight operations.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Background & literature review -- First generation prototype - Second generation prototype -- Third generation prototype -- Fourth generation prototype -- Conclusion -- Appendix A. Flight test deviation results -- Appendix B. Flight test mid point deviation results
Degree
M.S.