Inspection
How a drone and LiDAR can replace scaffolding
By the CORRSENS team
Close access used to mean scaffolds, ropes or special trucks. Drones, LiDAR and thermal cameras can reach the same places, and often with less disruption.
To inspect the underside of a bridge deck, or the face of a tall pier, an engineer traditionally needs to get close. That means scaffolding, rope access or a special inspection truck, and often a lane closure.
Three tools, three jobs
LiDAR measures the exact shape of the structure. A drone carries a camera to places that are hard to reach and records the surface in detail. A thermal camera shows differences in temperature that can point to moisture or damage hidden under the surface.
Less time on the structure
Because the structure is captured in one visit and rebuilt on a computer, most of the analysis happens in the office. That reduces the time people spend on or under the structure, and reduces the disruption to traffic.
What it does not replace
Scans and photos are not the end of an inspection. Where the data points to a problem, engineers still take tests at selected locations on site. The aim is to put those tests where they matter most, not to remove them.
Look everywhere cheaply. Test where it counts.
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