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6 Ways Indoor Drones Can Help with Bridge Inspections
Drones are increasingly being used for a wide range of inspections, from checking power lines to assessing the structural integrity of buildings. Among these applications, bridge inspections stand out as one of the most complex and critical tasks.
Unlike indoor or outdoor inspections that fall into clear categories, bridge inspections combine elements of both. While bridges are located outdoors, their structure often includes tight, confined spaces—like the underside of a bridge—that resemble indoor environments. This makes drone use particularly valuable, as it allows inspectors to access hard-to-reach areas safely and efficiently.
Here are six key ways drones are transforming the bridge inspection process:
**1. COST SAVINGS**
Traditional methods like snooper trucks and rope access can be expensive and time-consuming. Drones eliminate the need for such equipment, significantly reducing costs. A 2019 study by AASHTO found that drones could cut inspection costs by up to 75%, saving around $14,600 per inspection. With over 700,000 bridges in the U.S., this could lead to billions in annual savings.
**2. IMPROVED SAFETY**
Inspecting under a bridge using a bucket or rope access poses serious risks. Drones remove inspectors from dangerous environments, minimizing the risk of injury or accidents.
**3. BETTER ACCESS**
Many parts of a bridge, especially tight spaces between beams, are difficult to reach manually. Drones like the Elios 2 are designed to navigate these areas, capturing detailed visual data that would otherwise be impossible to collect.
**4. HIGH-QUALITY VISUAL DATA**
Drones can record the entire bridge, providing a comprehensive visual record. This helps stakeholders understand the full condition of the structure and track changes over time, which is invaluable for long-term maintenance planning.
**5. INCREASED EFFICIENCY**
Drones allow inspections to start immediately without waiting for ground equipment. This speeds up the process, reduces traffic disruptions, and improves overall workflow.
**6. LONG-TERM RECORDING**
Drone footage can be stored and reviewed later, creating a historical record of a bridge’s condition. It can also be used to generate 3D models, offering a detailed view of the structure at any given time.
By combining cost savings, safety improvements, and advanced data collection, drones are revolutionizing how we inspect and maintain our bridges. As technology continues to evolve, the role of drones in infrastructure monitoring will only become more essential.