Unmanned Aircraft Systems Impact on Operational Efficiency and Connectivity

Description: The overarching goal of this research project is to help launch an effective unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). The research team has already assisted with the development of the SCDOT UAS Policy Statement, and shadowed a bridge inspection team in SCDOT’s District Seven. The team will be providing logistical information to SCDOT about how other state DOTs have set up their programs. It will also conducted experiments testing a state-of-the-practice UAS in collaboration with a SCDOT bridge inspection team. The experiments will evaluate how a UAS can reduce bridge inspection time and cost by providing additional tools to inspectors. This will reduce the cost of design with more current as-built/as-is documentation, and ultimately make our infrastructure safer and better prepared for natural disasters. Intellectual Merit: This study will help enable a UAS to provide real-time infrastructure assessment in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional methods during natural disasters. Broader Impacts: This project will help increase connectivity for field-to-office information flow, improving the safety of our bridge infrastructure and reducing the cost of maintaining it. Technology Transfer Plan: This project will be jointly funded by the SCDOT, ensuring an immediate transfer of technology for field application. The findings will be documented in a report submitted to the SCDOT as well as articles submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.

Language

  • English

Project

  • Status: Completed
  • Funding: $120743
  • Contract Numbers:

    69A3551747117

  • Sponsor Organizations:

    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

    University Transportation Centers Program
    Department of Transportation
    Washington, DC  United States  20590

    Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility

    Clemson University
    Clemson, SC  United States  29634

    Clemson University

    110 Lowry Hall
    Box 340911
    Clemson, SC  United States  29634-0911

    Benedict College

    1600 Harden Street
    Columbia, South Carolina  United States  29204

    South Carolina Department of Transportation

    955 Park Street
    P.O. Box 191
    Columbia, SC  United States  29202-0191
  • Managing Organizations:

    Clemson University

    110 Lowry Hall
    Box 340911
    Clemson, SC  United States  29634-0911
  • Project Managers:

    Burgett, Joseph

  • Performing Organizations:

    Clemson University

    110 Lowry Hall
    Box 340911
    Clemson, SC  United States  29634-0911

    South Carolina Department of Transportation

    955 Park Street
    P.O. Box 191
    Columbia, SC  United States  29202-0191

    Benedict College

    1600 Harden Street
    Columbia, South Carolina  United States  29204
  • Principal Investigators:

    Bausman, Dennis

    Comert, Gurcan

    Burgett, Joseph

  • Start Date: 20181201
  • Expected Completion Date: 20191231
  • Actual Completion Date: 20191213
  • USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01690751
  • Record Type: Research project
  • Source Agency: Center for Connected Multimodal Mobility
  • Contract Numbers: 69A3551747117
  • Files: UTC, RIP
  • Created Date: Jan 11 2019 3:36PM