Bridge inspections

Drone Division is specialised in bridge inspections. These inspections require expertise in:

1. Process approach and preparation
2. Specific technology/hardware
3. Automated processing and anomaly detection (software)
4. Reporting and follow-up

Need for a specific process and preparation

Bridges are works of art that were mainly built after the Second World War to expand the road network in Belgium. They are located above other road infrastructure, waterways and railways as well as in urban areas.

These challenging environmental factors of subsoil, traffic (cars but also boats), accessibility and placement require an enormous expertise based on a strong preparation and clear instructions on site so that the safety and quality of inspection is 100% guaranteed.

Thanks to strong planning, strict regulation, expertise and reliable equipment, Drone Division provides this guarantee.

Challenges require specific technology

Specific equipment is required for bridge inspections. Drones (in the air as well as on water) need to be well positioned to guarantee safety but also quality of inspection.

The concrete structure, which contains a lot of reinforced metal, blocks GPS signals, among other things. Drone Division ensures that sufficient signals are present under the structure. In this way, we guarantee that the flight/travel pattern of the drone is stable at all times and that the positions of the data are correctly stored for processing.

Automated processing and anomaly detection

Inspections can be time-consuming through visual on-the-spot detection of anomalies. Drone Division has developed specific software that provides smooth and automated detection of the most common detection needs of concrete and metal structures:

• linear cracks
• rust
• alkaline problems (discolouration)
• filling (already repaired parts)

Through artificial intelligence, the structure is checked at millimetre level, which allows your inspectors to focus more on solving the problem.

See additional details on this in:
– Damage detection with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

– Anomaly detection on metal structures