Live Bridge Inspection with Drone

The test ahead
The work ahead was to inspect the Hølen bridge structure for inspection purposes using optical imagery. LiDAR data and thermal imagery were also part of the test project to check the capabilities of these types of data. A specific part of the bridge was focussed on using these two data types and technology.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soXqH0nf4PY[/embedyt]

The extended scope of work was to perform the data acquisition under specific weather conditions (winter conditions) as part of a comprehensive feasibility study.

The bridge is in Hølen, Vestby Kommune (Viken Fylkes), in the eastern part of Norway, approximately 45 km south from Oslo. The bridge is approximately 416 meter long.

Challenging winter conditions
The weather conditions were challenging, ranging from snow, rain and fog, and with temperature levels reaching as much as -18 degrees celsius. Conducting inspections in the winter months means less access to natural light, with only 3 to 4 hours of good conditions. Some vegetation in and around the bridges was also obstructing some of the view.

The inspection was livestreamed to bridge experts in Bane NOR, making it possible for the pilot and the viewer to communicate in real-time.