andrew whiting - aurecon - structural integrity inspections with uav’s

Structural Integrity Inspections with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s)

Dr Andrew Whiting

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

in the Resources Industry, Perth

26-27June 2014

Copyright © Aurecon 2014

MILITARY SPORTS COVERAGE RECREATION

REAL ESTATE NEWS COVERAGE PAPARAZZI

Diverse applications of UAV’s


Overview

Introduction

Structural integrity inspections: What is a structural integrity inspection?

Inspection methodology

Non-destructive testing

Applications of UAVs for structural integrity inspections

Safety of UAVs

Pros and cons of UAVs

Key features of UAVs for inspections

Future developments


What can UAV’s be used for?Example video: inspection of conveyor


What is a Structural Integrity Inspection?

Structural integrity inspections involve visual examination by qualified structural engineers to assess the condition of existing assets. May also involve:

Non-destructive testing (NDT)

Residual life assessment

Specification of remedial works

Objective : to ensure continued safe and reliable use of an existing asset

Materials deteriorate with time (nature at work). In the absence of regular monitoring and remediation, the integrity of a structure may be compromised leading to potential:

structural failure

costly maintenance

loss of production

adverse environmental consequences


Inspection Methodology

1. Planning

Review drawings

Identify critical elements (high load, no redundancy)

Define battery limits

2. Inspection

General review

Local review of areas of concern

Non-destructive testing

3. Reporting

Document results

Document remedial works

Recommend future inspection


Inspection Ratings

Condition Rating Steel Concrete

1 No loss of section No visible cracks / no spalling

2 Localised pitting Minor cracks

3 Extensive pitting Small cracks / minor spalling

4 Small loss of section Large cracks / severe spalling

5Large loss of section / missing

membersExtensive cracking / exposed

reinforcement

Sev

erity


Non-Destructive Testing

Concrete:

Rebound test – hammer used to determine areas of delamination and spalling

Coring – compressive strength testing; chloride or carbonation testing

Steel:

Ultrasonic testing – to determine residual thickness

Weld testing – ultrasonic, magnetic particle, dye penetrant

Bolts – sample removed (and replaced) for testing


Inspection Report


How can risk be better managed ?Establish an asset management system


What can UAV’s be used for?

Inspection of various types of structures:Elevated structure conveyors

Mobile machines

Bins and silos

Tanks

Jetties and wharves

Bridges

Mitigation of hazards:Heights

Water

Moving plant (trucks)

Operating conveyors

Electrical hazards

Confined spaces

Hazardous areas (dust)

Unstable ground


What can UAV’s be used for?Elevated conveyors


What can UAV’s be used for?Mobile machines


What can UAV’s be used for?Example video: footage from UAV


What can UAV’s be used for?Storage bins and surge bins


What can UAV’s be used for?Silos


Light poles

What can UAV’s be used for?


What can UAV’s be used for?Tanks and other confined spaces


What can UAV’s be used for?Jetties and wharves


What can UAV’s be used for?Post disaster inspections


Safety of UAVs (for structural integrity inspections)

There are two aspects to safety:

1. Safety during the inspection itselfRisk reduced when UAV is used (operator removed from hazardous environment)

Hazards remain for traditional inspection methods (but the likelihood of an incident can be reduced if the number or duration of inspections is reduced by using UAV)

2. Safety as an outcome of an inspectionEarly identification of defects enables risks to be controlled by implementation of repairs or ongoing monitoring

Hierarchy of Controls


Safer than a full sized (manned) helicopter

Safer than an Elevated Work Platform

The use of UAV’s is regulated by CASA

Safety Management System / Risk Assessments

Safety systems:- auto-home if signal is lost- double redundancy radio transmission- inertial stabilisation- GPS hold- RFID security start key- GPS flight path control- low noise: ~65dB(A) at 3m- telemetry and flight recorder

Is a UAV Safe ?


How can risk be better managed ?With a Risk Based Inspection (RBI) programme

RBI Standards


How can risk be better managed ?Outputs of an RBI assessment are inputs to the inspection program

Prioritisation of high risk components WHAT to inspect

Determination of inspection intervals WHEN to inspect

Expected damage mechanisms WHERE to inspect

Selection of best inspection method HOW to inspect

Data requirements for continuous improvement WHAT to inspect


Pros and Cons of using UAVs for Inspections

CONS

Not hazard free

Dusty environment

Limited application for NDT

Complementary tool rather than a replacement for existing methods

Overuse of UAVs may reduce quality of inspection results leading to increased risk of failure

PROS

Safety (inspection & post-inspection)

Cost

Manoeuvrability

Coverage

Interactive operation

Quality


Key features of UAVs (for structural integrity inspections)

High resolution image

Real-time video

Gyro stabilisation

Ability to hover and move in/zoom for closer inspection of areas of concern

Portable

Simple to use

GPS

Audio capture at base station


Future developments:

Miniaturisation – limited application

Autonomy – limited value

Better quality

Lower cost

More widespread use leading to increased applications

Flying robot with NDT capability“Gecko pads” or magnetic clamp

Flight duration

Range (distance)

Height – limited value

andrew whiting - aurecon - structural integrity inspections with uav’s

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