Drone technology is revolutionizing the construction industry, and nowhere is its transformative power more evident than in the realm of bridge construction. Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’S) equipped with advanced imaging and data capture capabilities, are changing the landscape of how bridges are designed, built, and maintained.
Drone technologies have helped its customers in the bridge construction industry to improve their work processes, their operations and productivity by better management of their staff, materials, and operational equipment such as tractors, concrete, excavator, cranes, telescopic handler, skid-steer loader, and steel.
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Their ability to efficiently survey, enhance safety measures, improve construction processes, and aid in various aspects of bridge construction has positioned them as an asset in modern construction projects. This article explores the multifaceted impact of drones in bridge construction, highlighting advancements in surveying, safety and risk mitigation, efficiencies, and their contribution to the construction process itself.
5 Ways Drones are Transforming Bridge Construction
1. Improved Site Inspection and Monitoring
Drones have completely changed the field of bridge construction by greatly enhancing the site inspection and monitoring processes. Unlike manual inspections that often involve technicians working from trucks or repelling gear, drones provide unparalleled access to bridges from every angle, enabling a thorough examination of the structure.
With the integration of LiDAR sensors UAVs have gained even more ground. By emitting light and precisely measuring its travel time to and from objects, LiDAR technology enables the creation of highly accurate 3D maps and models of all bridge structures and systems. This wealth of comprehensive data empowers inspectors to identify problem areas very quickly. Drones can now be used to detect and record:
- Stress Cracks
- Rust issues
- Bearing problems (movement that should not be present)
- Corrosion, or paint loss
- Deeper structural issues
- Electrical infrastructure such as broken or out-of-date wiring
- Signs of old or poorly executed repairs
Regular monitoring is essential to ensure the structural integrity and safety of a bridge, as environmental factors and wear and tear can lead to gradual changes and potential risks over time.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
2. Safety and Risk Mitigation
Drones significantly improve safety measures and mitigating risks associated with the bridge construction process. Drones offer numerous advantages in identifying and addressing potential hazards, making it safer for personnel, such as:
- Pre-construction Site Assessment: Before construction begins, drones can perform aerial surveys to assess the site’s topography (except over water), identify potential hazards, and plan construction logistics.
- Inspection of Difficult-to-Reach Areas: Bridge construction involves working at heights, over water, and in confined spaces, posing inherent risks to workers. Drones can easily access these areas such as bridge piers, abutments, and structural components.
- Early Detection of Structural Defects: Drones with advanced imaging technologies, such as thermal cameras and LiDAR sensors, can detect structural defects and anomalies that might not be immediately apparent to the naked eye. By capturing temperature variations through thermal imaging and producing detailed 3D models, drones identify issues like cracks, corrosion, or material degradation at an early stage.
- Emergency Response and Disaster Management: In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster or bridge failure, drones play a vital role in emergency response and disaster management. Drones can quickly assess the extent of damage, identify potential hazards, and aid in search and rescue operations. Drones provide real-time situational awareness, assisting emergency responders in making informed decisions while ensuring their safety.
3. Equipment Tracking and Security
Keeping track of valuable equipment and ensuring site security is another way drones can help with bridge construction. According to the National Equipment Register, construction sites experience significant losses. Up to $1 billion of equipment is lost each year due to theft, which also disrupts project schedules and inflates budgets due to the time lost in replacing the equipment.
“If you’re not prioritizing construction site security, it will end up costing you at some point. Pay for robust security measures now, or pay insurance premium hikes and replacement costs later.”
Construction companies and security firms can mitigate the risk of theft, deter potential thieves, and protect valuable assets by deploying drones for site surveillance. The ongoing surveillance can also play a vital role in tracking the movement of raw materials within a construction site. With real-time visibility drones can help prevent misplacement or loss of valuable resources or calculate stockpile measurements to determine what resources are available.
Related Article – The Role of Drones for Construction Photo Documentation
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4. Speed and Efficiency
Drones have emerged as a game-changer in accelerating the building process. Drones offer a range of capabilities that expedite various tasks, making it faster and more efficient. Some of the ways drones contribute to speed and efficiency are:
- Rapid Surveying and Mapping: Drones equipped with advanced surveying technologies can swiftly capture accurate data and generate detailed 3D maps of construction sites.
- Accelerated Site Inspection: Manual inspections of bridges can be time-consuming, particularly when dealing with a large number of structures. In the United States alone, nearly 9% of all bridges, about 54,000, are classified as structurally deficient. It would be nearly impossible to manually inspect each one in a timely manner. Drones can do this in a fraction of the time.
- Efficient Progress Monitoring: Drones offer real-time progress monitoring capabilities, allowing project managers to remotely track construction activities and identify deviations from the planned timeline.
- Streamlined Communication: Drones play a crucial role in facilitating communication with project stakeholders. Drones provide a visual representation of the construction site, a process which eliminates the need for physical site visits.
These tasks, and many others, will improve efficiencies in bridge construction, ultimately speeding up the entire construction process.
5. Drones Doing the Building: Case Studies
Drones are going beyond mere inspections and monitoring—they are now actively involved in the building process itself. The two case studies below showcase their potential and innovation.
Robotic Autonomous Construction:
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design and School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a groundbreaking drone-based system for bridge construction and repair. Their Robotic Construction System (RCS) combines a quadrotor drone with an advanced 3D-printing system. The drone, equipped with a custom-built robotic arm and a 3D-printing nozzle, can autonomously fly to the target area, assess the condition of the bridge, and repair structural components.
“It is exciting research with potential to impact the way we build in hard-to-access, dangerous, or challenging height location areas, like tall buildings and bridges,” says Stuart-Smith.”
Chishuihe Suspension Bridge:
In southwest China, the construction of the Chishuihe Suspension Bridge stands as another remarkable example of drones’ involvement in bridge building. Drones were used to construct the main cable system of the suspension bridge, showcasing their capacity to handle large-scale construction tasks. By accurately and efficiently maneuvering cables and precisely placing them at predetermined points, the drones significantly expedited the construction process.
As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations and applications in bridge construction. The successful integration of drones into the building process not only accelerates construction timelines but also enhances safety, reduces costs, and enables the construction of more resilient and sustainable bridges.
Video Credit: New China TV
Current Bridge Construction Projects Utilizing Drones
As more research into using drones for bridge construction continues, drones are poised to play a vital role in shaping future infrastructure projects. As our society demands more efficient, sustainable, and resilient bridges, the integration of drone technology becomes paramount.
Howard Franklin Bridge, Tampa Bay Florida
The Howard Franklin Bridge construction project, located in Tampa Bay, Florida, is a significant infrastructure endeavor aimed at enhancing transportation efficiency and connectivity. The project involves the replacement of the existing bridge with a modern, state-of-the-art structure that accommodates increased traffic capacity and improves safety for commuters. The new bridge will feature additional lanes, improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and enhanced technology for monitoring and managing traffic flow. With the use of innovative construction techniques and technologies, including the integration of drones for surveying, inspection, and data collection, the Howard Franklin Bridge project exemplifies the intersection of engineering excellence and cutting-edge advancements to meet the evolving transportation needs of the community.
Video Credit: FDOT District 7
Gordie Howe International Bridge, International
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a transformative infrastructure project that aims to create a vital connection between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, fostering economic growth, enhancing trade, and improving regional mobility. This bi-national project involves the construction of a six-lane bridge spanning the Detroit River, designed to accommodate both passenger and commercial vehicles. With advanced engineering and sustainable design principles, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will prioritize safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.
As one of the largest infrastructure projects in North America, the Gordie Howe International Bridge showcases cross-border collaboration and represents a significant milestone in the history of transportation infrastructure. Even though the project is located within a Control Zone Airspace in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, builders relied on UAV aerial photos and video for site progress and made available an extensive catalog for stakeholders and the interested public.
Video Credit: Michael Anthony Videos
Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, Washington DC
The reconstruction of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC, represents a landmark infrastructure project aimed at revitalizing transportation in the nation’s capital. This iconic bridge serves as a critical link between the neighborhoods of Southeast and Southwest DC, providing a vital transportation artery for commuters and travelers. The reconstruction project focuses on enhancing safety, improving connectivity, and increasing the bridge’s lifespan. Notably, drones play a pivotal role in the project, facilitating comprehensive inspections and contributing to effective maintenance planning. The project made extensive use of drones to capture ongoing construction progress from August 2018 to its completion in May 2023. Making the images public also provided a great level of transparency on the project as well.
In the highly restricted airspace of Washington DC, drones were able to gain proper authorization to capture the “topping out” of the project as everyone celebrated the final beam being hoisted in place. The incorporation of drone technology shows the project’s commitment to innovation and underscores the significance of leveraging advanced tools for efficient and reliable infrastructure development.
Video Credit: The Walsh Group
Next Steps in Using Drones for Bridge Construction
Drones are now actively utilized in ongoing bridge construction projects across the world. These current projects highlight the tangible benefits of drones when it comes to surveying, inspection, and data collection, enabling informed decision-making and faster completion of bridge construction projects. By harnessing the capabilities of UAVs construction teams can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure the successful completion of complex bridge projects.
Are you looking to get started with drones in your current bridge construction project? At The Drone Life, our pilots are highly trained and experienced UAV operators. Our licensed pilots are experienced in navigation and safety around bridge construction projects, capture accurate data, and identify potential issues. By hiring an experienced drone service provider, you can ensure that the inspections are carried out by professionals who understand the nuances and complexities of infrastructure projects. Schedule a free consultation today with The Drone Life for more information.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
