Event Title
Implementation of a Low-Cost RTK Positioning System for Drone-assisted Structural Inspections
Location
Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
Event Website
https://event.ceri2020.exordo.com/
Start Date
28-8-2020 10:30 AM
End Date
28-8-2020 11:45 AM
Description
Technological developments of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been rapid and significant in recent years, and thus the scope of use has increased across a broad spectrum of industries, including the fields of structural and civil engineering. A key part of structural engineering is ensuring that a structure can be inspected during its service life to determine if there is any defect that could diminish its structural integrity. In practice, the procedures involved in such inspections to locate defects can be dangerous, time consuming and expensive to conduct. The aim of this study is to establish a system that is cost effective through use of a low-cost UAV with Global Navigation Satellite System technology, hence making the process safer for those conducting the inspections. Using positional technology developed by Emlid, a low-cost solution that can be integrated with a UAV has been implemented in order to make this goal achievable. A 3D photogrammetric model can be developed of the given structure with associated positional coordinates without the need for ground control points. External aspects of the structure can be inspected and accurately geo-referenced e.g. for use in a Building Information Model. A systematic workflow was developed to establish the most efficient approach to undertaking surveys or inspections predominately through a method of trial and error. This study provides a unique, low-cost solution to current practices and methods and has the potential to influence how structural inspections are undertaken in industry.
Recommended Citation
Keaveney, Aidan and McGetrick, Patrick, "Implementation of a Low-Cost RTK Positioning System for Drone-assisted Structural Inspections" (2020). Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2020. 5.
https://sword.cit.ie/ceri/2020/10/5
Included in
Civil Engineering Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Environmental Engineering Commons, Geotechnical Engineering Commons, Hydraulic Engineering Commons, Structural Engineering Commons, Transportation Engineering Commons
Implementation of a Low-Cost RTK Positioning System for Drone-assisted Structural Inspections
Cork Institute of Technology, Cork, Ireland
Technological developments of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been rapid and significant in recent years, and thus the scope of use has increased across a broad spectrum of industries, including the fields of structural and civil engineering. A key part of structural engineering is ensuring that a structure can be inspected during its service life to determine if there is any defect that could diminish its structural integrity. In practice, the procedures involved in such inspections to locate defects can be dangerous, time consuming and expensive to conduct. The aim of this study is to establish a system that is cost effective through use of a low-cost UAV with Global Navigation Satellite System technology, hence making the process safer for those conducting the inspections. Using positional technology developed by Emlid, a low-cost solution that can be integrated with a UAV has been implemented in order to make this goal achievable. A 3D photogrammetric model can be developed of the given structure with associated positional coordinates without the need for ground control points. External aspects of the structure can be inspected and accurately geo-referenced e.g. for use in a Building Information Model. A systematic workflow was developed to establish the most efficient approach to undertaking surveys or inspections predominately through a method of trial and error. This study provides a unique, low-cost solution to current practices and methods and has the potential to influence how structural inspections are undertaken in industry.
https://sword.cit.ie/ceri/2020/10/5
