Enhanced methodology for visual bridge inspections in South Africa

Abstract

This paper introduces the application of technology solutions into the realm of bridge inspection methodologies in South Africa, aiming to enhance the current visual bridge inspection methodology. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used as an alternative to collect bridge image data, and point cloud models can be created from captured images by using photogrammetry software. For this study, accredited bridge inspectors were approached to complete TMH 19 inspection sheets of bridge structures using only the point cloud models and captured images, as a proposed new inspection methodology. This paper compares historic inspection ratings and the point cloud inspection ratings to investigate the effectiveness and practicality of the new proposed inspection methodology. The study concluded that bridge inspectors could identify and rate critical defects of bridge structures using the new inspection methodology, but there are limitations and specific use cases that need to be identified.