Can UAS Themal Data Add Value to Bridge Inspections?

Overview

Many know that thermal equipped UAS are useful for infrastructure inspections, but few know how they add value compared to traditional inspection methods. In the case of concrete deck inspections, thermal equipped UAS can be an extremely valuable tool because the collected data can expose deficiencies often invisible to the naked eye. I am not going to spell out how exactly this translates into cost savings, but the value can be in the tens of millions depending on the structure scanned.

Secret Hints About UAS Thermal Ops 

From a deliverable standpoint, the product is a preventative maintenance plan. To get to that point, be prepared for a big investment in a specific thermal camera, take more than one thermography training and have design and structural engineers in your office. If you get that far, make sure your thermal imagery has visual reference imagery, invest heavily in computer software, and make sure you have the aircraft and camera settings dialed in.

Oh yeah, make sure you can legally the area of interest in the first place!  At this point, I have provided more than enough hints about how thermal offers value to concrete bridge deck inspections including the document below that I created with USI Consultants. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly.  

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