Inspection of bridge inspection trucks 

Drone deployment for optimal efficiency

Many of the major bridges in our country that cross a waterway are equipped with one or more bridge inspection trucks to periodically inspect the structure. Since it is a work tool, the bridge inspection vehicle must be inspected at least once a year. Given the complexity of the site, this is sometimes quite a challenge. Aboma Inspections is therefore increasingly making use of a drone. 

The past few years have shown more than once that inspecting the underside of a bridge is really necessary, begins Bas van Gruijthuijsen, general manager at Aboma Inspections. "For that, a bridge inspection truck is the calibrated tool. In many cases it is quite a complex piece of equipment and it is unique and customized for each structure. Many of the bridge inspection trucks are the responsibility of the Department of Public Works, which oversees safe deployment. And that includes a periodic inspection. In our humble opinion, that inspection can be significantly simplified by the deployment of a drone. After all, a bridge inspection vehicle is not always in the most accessible location."

Shorter lead time

Checking a bridge inspection truck is thus quite complex. "Work always takes place in the vicinity of a waterway, highway and/or railroad," Bas rightly states. "That means coordination must be sought with various parties in order to carry out the inspection safely. Sometimes even an obstruction is unavoidable. Because most of the inspection is a visual inspection, you can use a drone, equipped with all kinds of sensors and cameras, to perform a visual inspection much faster and yet extremely detailed in most cases. It results in a much shorter turnaround time and therefore a shorter stoppage." 

Drone deployment regulations

The regulations regarding drone use have tightened considerably in recent years. Aboma is certified in accordance with the Specific Category and has all the necessary papers to be allowed to fly, including in these particular locations under a bridge. "An operational plan does need to be made in consultation with the manager, but that is just a formality. From Aboma we take care of the complete picture," says Jeroen Gerkema, equipment coordinator and drone pilot at Aboma Inspections. 

Professional gaze 

Apart from a visual inspection of the structure and the (suspension of the) rails over which the bridge inspection truck moves, an inspection involves testing and inspecting all the things to which a user is exposed. Jeroen gives some examples: "Is there safe access? Can you get stuck anywhere? Is the railing in order? The documentation and user manual are also subjected to a professional look. Furthermore, driving the entire roadway to the end stops is part of the inspection." 

With the deployment of a drone, Aboma can in many cases achieve optimal efficiency when inspecting a bridge inspection truck. "Because inspection is our first nature, when we deploy a drone we know exactly what to look for," Bas concludes. "We can thus serve our customers in many more facets with a drone, such as inspecting structures and construction equipment in difficult places. That in turn adds another dynamic to our field."