Development of an image based system for routine visual inspection of UK highways bridges

McRobbie, Stuart Grant (2015). Development of an image based system for routine visual inspection of UK highways bridges. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Accurate inspection data is important for efficient bridge management. Visual inspections play a key role in providing this information, but the reliability of such data has limitations. A range of techniques addressing these limitations are used in other sectors, but not to assist routine visual bridge inspection.
Work has been undertaken investigating the feasibility of performing routine visual bridge inspections based on systematically collected images alone. The requirements of such a system are considered and defined.
The research demonstrates that more detail can be seen in images at 1-pixel-per-mm than can be seen from 3m, and that images at this resolution can be systematically collected, processed, displayed, and inspected to complete General Inspections with results comparable to traditional routine visual inspections.
No existing systems were found to be suitable for routinely providing visual inspection data; consequently a prototype was developed demonstrating the feasibility of the image-based inspection approach. The development considered hardware, image collection methodology, processing, alignment, display and interpretation. Inspectors tested and used the system to perform image-based General Inspections on several bridges. It is concluded that an imagebased approach can be used to perform routine visual bridge inspections, with no loss of detail compared to traditional inspections.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):