Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Applications in Bridge Inspection: A Comprehensive Review of Platforms, Sensors, and Operational Effectiveness

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? UAS-based bridge inspections significantly reduce inspection time, labor requirements, and safety risks compared to conventional methods. Commercially available UAS platforms and sensor technologies demonstrate strong capability for high-resolution visual, thermal, and 3D data collection in bridge inspections. What are the implication of the main findings? Transportation agencies and inspectors can use this review to make informed decisions when selecting UAS platforms and sensors for bridge inspection tasks. The findings support broader adoption of UAS technologies as a practical supplement to traditional bridge inspection practices. The growing number of older bridges has resulted in an increase in structural flaws, demanding frequent inspections and maintenance. Structural degradation accelerates post-damage recovery, emphasizing the necessity of preventive interventions. The use of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle Systems (UASs) for bridge inspections represents a significant development in structural health monitoring (SHM). Traditional inspection methods are labor-intensive, time-consuming, expensive, and require access to high or difficult-to-reach areas, posing safety risks to inspectors. This study focuses on identifying drones that can efficiently support bridge inspection activities. Key factors influencing UAS selection include flight performance, flying modes, cost, sensor capabilities, payload capacity, and controller communication. The primary objective of this paper is to provide guidance to inspectors and transportation agencies regarding the capabilities and limitations of commercially available drones. It also outlines potential cost considerations associated with drone selection, including pilot skill level, platform cost, and sensor integration. These factors may vary depending on the type and complexity of the bridge being inspected. By addressing these aspects, this paper aims to assist decision-makers in making informed choices regarding the use of UASs for bridge inspection applications.