Utilization and Verification of Imaging Technology in Smart Bridge Inspection System: An Application Study

Image-based inspection technologies involving various sensors and unmanned aerial vehicles are widely used for facility inspections. The level of data analysis technology required to process the acquired data algorithmically (e.g., image processing and machine learning) is also increasing. However, compared with their development rate, the applicability of new inspection technologies to actual bridges is low. In addition, only individual technologies (for inspecting specific deteriorations) are being developed; integrated inspection systems have been neglected. In this study, the bottom-up method (which systematizes the applications of a specific technology) is avoided; instead, several technologies are summarized and a system of preliminary frameworks is established using a top-down method, and the applicability of each technology is verified in a testbed. To this end, the utility of the initially constructed technical system was assessed for two bridges; then, a strong utility technology was selected and applied to an offshore bridge under extreme conditions. The data obtained from the inspection were accumulated in a database, and a 3D-type external inspection map was produced and applied in the subsequent inspection via virtual and augmented reality equipment. Through the system, it was possible to obtain cost-effective and objective bridge inspection images in extreme environments, and the applicability of various technologies was verified.