Rapid and Low-Cost Bridge Scour Monitoring Using Unmanned Underwater Drones

The project aims to develop a cost-effective underwater unmanned device (UUD) and sensing system for swift bridge scour assessment. It aims to surpass stationary sonar systems in cost and flexibility while providing superior accuracy compared to vessel-based systems. Both hardware and software will be open source, facilitating widespread use and collaboration. Knowledge will be shared via GitHub and integrated into engineering curricula. A novel circular maneuvering controller will be documented and published, encouraging replication. Enhancements include integrating sonar and a distance sensor for circular maneuvering around bridge piers, generating real-time 3D depth maps to overcome existing method limitations. This innovative approach addresses cost, resolution, and operational issues, offering a more efficient solution for scour mapping. The project emphasizes accessibility, education, and practical application, with potential benefits for infrastructure monitoring and safety.

• Record URL:
  https://www.ctips.org/projects/details.php?id=601

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $49932
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348308

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Center for Transformative Infrastructure Preservation and Sustainability

  North Dakota State University
  Fargo, ND  United States  58108
• Project Managers:

  Tolliver, Denver

• Performing Organizations:

  Fort Lewis College

  Durango, CO  United States  81301
• Principal Investigators:

  Li, Yiyan

• Start Date: 20240423
• Expected Completion Date: 20260422
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
• Source Data: CTIPS-003

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge piers; Bridges; Monitoring; Remote sensing; Scour; Unmanned underwater vehicles
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Data and Information Technology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01917415
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Transformative Infrastructure Preservation and Sustainability
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348308
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 30 2024 4:31PM