Abstract:
In Denmark, bridge managers are obligated to conduct principal inspections every sixth year. Today, most inspections of bridge structures are outsourced to consultancy companies performing visual inspections on-site, facing challenges such as traffic restrictions, subjectivity and consistency in documentation, and difficult access- and working conditions. However, the ongoing digital transformation of O&M of bridges offers viable solutions through the integration of technical equipment including drones, sensors, software, etc. in the inspection process, leading to significant environmental, economic, and technical benefits. By employing highquality RGB photogrammetry and thermal imagery captured by drones etc., a Reality Capture Model, a visual Digital Twin of the structure, is generated. The COWI Virtual inspection software facilitates principal inspections with AI-aided defect detection enabling multiple specialists to annotate damages or defects directly on the RCM and revisit the bridge structure when necessary. Additionally, the thermal imagery, when combined with RGB photos, enables the detection of delaminations, honeycombing, and water ingress in concrete structures. In 2023, a virtual principal inspection of the pylons on the Faroe Bridges and the Queen Alexandrines Bridge is conducted. This paper presents key findings from pilot projects to complete virtual inspections and highlights the benefits and challenges associated with the transition to virtual inspection methodologies and future AI-driven- and performance-based asset management. Β© 2024 The Author(s).
