Structural inspection using RPAS (drones): the case of the Guayllabamba Bridge
Abstract
The use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), has expanded significantly in recent years across a wide range of applications, including the inspection of civil engineering structures. The present article arises from an experimental inspection of a singular bridge structure—the Guayllabamba Bridge—carried out by the authors with the aim of demonstrating that RPAS can serve as a high-quality tool for performing inspection tasks that are currently conducted using highly qualified personnel and cumbersome auxiliary access equipment. The results show that an equivalent or even superior level of inspection quality can be achieved, while simultaneously minimizing risks to the occupational safety and health of the workers involved and achieving a substantial reduction in both time and costs. The article is structured as follows: after this introduction, the methodology employed is described, including the regulatory framework, the equipment used, and the flight and data processing procedures. Next, the results of the inspection and the corresponding structural analysis are presented. Finally, the technical implications of the results obtained are discussed, and conclusions are drawn regarding the applicability of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) in the inspection and preventive maintenance of road infrastructure.
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