Andrew Whiting - Aurecon - Structural Integrity Inspections with UAV’s
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Transcript of 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
Copyright © Aurecon 2014
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
Copyright © Aurecon 2014
What can UAV’s be used for?Example video: inspection of conveyor
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Inspection Report
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How can risk be better managed ?Establish an asset management system
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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
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What can UAV’s be used for?Elevated conveyors
Copyright © Aurecon 2014
What can UAV’s be used for?Mobile machines
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What can UAV’s be used for?Example video: footage from UAV
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What can UAV’s be used for?Storage bins and surge bins
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What can UAV’s be used for?Silos
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Light poles
What can UAV’s be used for?
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What can UAV’s be used for?Tanks and other confined spaces
Copyright © Aurecon 2014
What can UAV’s be used for?Jetties and wharves
Copyright © Aurecon 2014
What can UAV’s be used for?Post disaster inspections
Copyright © Aurecon 2014
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
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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 ?
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How can risk be better managed ?With a Risk Based Inspection (RBI) programme
RBI Standards
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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
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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
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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
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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