PAPER P07 · 2018
Bridge inspection: human performance, unmanned aerial systems and automation
Dorafshan, S., Maguire, M. — Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring 8(3):443-476
Abstract read Citations: openalex: 191 · semanticScholar: 179 (2026-10-22)
Reviews U.S. bridge inspection practice and how unmanned and automated methods could meet current and future needs. It finds that drones mainly make inspectors faster and safer and allow inspection without lane closures. Major obstacles are FAA rules, GPS-free navigation, pilot cost and availability, setup and maintenance time, data post-processing, and owner acceptance of the data.
Key findings
- Drones currently assist inspectors rather than replace them
- Listed barriers: FAA regulation, GPS-denied navigation, pilot cost, setup/maintenance time, post-processing, owner acceptance
- Autonomous flight plus near-real-time image processing seen as the route to reusable 3D models and automatic damage identification
Limitations
- Abstract only reviewed
- U.S.-specific regulatory and programme context