Innovation in bridge inspection

This award seeks to recognise excellence in equipment, sensors, digital tools and solutions that have helped clients gain a better understanding of bridge condition and rate of degradation in the UK or internationally.

Aecom
360 Camera Surveys

Our pioneering use of 360 Imagery on the DOL2-55(5) bridge exemplifies a transformative approach to bridge inspection. By integrating bespoke lighting setups and telescopic poles, we ensured optimal access and illumination, revolutionising traditional inspection methodologies. Association of imagery location on structure plans, facilitated precise documentation, spatial awareness and asset visualisation. This case study underscores our commitment to excellence and innovation, showcasing tangible benefits for clients and stakeholders. Through meticulous planning and execution, we've redefined industry standards, fostering safety, efficiency, and collaboration. Our entry epitomises a paradigm shift in bridge inspection methodologies, setting a new benchmark for excellence in infrastructure management.

Aecom
Gateshead Viaduct PI 23

Using unique innovative techniques AECOM were able to overcome many constraints and successfully complete the inspection of Gateshead Viaduct under budget and programme, providing savings to the client. Developing a remote-controlled inspection vehicle allowed for the internal deck voids to be inspected safely from ground level, negating the requirement for manned entry into the deck voids which posed an unacceptable risk to health and safety. This, together with using an AECOM developed automated report writing tool allowed considerable savings to be made with regards to cost and programme.

AtkinsRéalis
National Highways Structures Moonshot

National Highways Structures Moonshot – led by an AtkinsRealis and Jacobs Joint Venture (AJJV) – stands out as a truly unique endeavour, representing an unprecedented approach to advancing asset management for our whole industry. Our approach has enabled the very best and brightest from our global NDT community to contribute, overcoming the usual barriers to entry for smaller enterprises and start-ups or overseas practitioners. The enthusiasm, collaboration and knowledge sharing between all parties has been infectious, leading us in new directions and pushing the boundaries of what is currently possible in the field of NDT, enabling new technologies and approaches to reach our structures.

Bam UK&I
King Edward Bridge CP6 PACE Phase 2

Through the use of AR, VR, 360 camera and 3D printing technology the King Edward bridge project has successfully been completed with improvements in safety, emissions, design and maintenance. The technologies and methods adopted here have been utilized and further developed amongst all parties involved with the ethos of works providing confidence in the future of the bridge and further projects in the region.

Niricson and Arcadis Partnership
AI Enhanced Bridge Condition Data

The Arcadis/Niricson partnership are revolutionising how bridge asset data is collected and used. Through the use of an innovation acoustic data collection device, mounted on a drone, we were able to collect better asset data that could be easily viewed, measured and interrogated through our online platform. This technique reduces health and safety risks (through reducing need for specialist access/traffic management), gains a better understanding of bridge condition, and can track rate of deterioration.

ProDroneWorx
Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning and Drone Technology to Inspect and Survey Foryd Bridge

ProDroneWorx used drone technology on a bridge structure reducing the time onsite from 5 days to 1 day while also resulting in a 85% cost saving to the client. We used drones to check for potential issues with the main bridge structure and within two confined space areas. Engineers used our data onsite and in their office to detect issues like cracking in concrete, problems with bearings, or movement of the bridge. Without drones, inspecting the structure and confined space areas would have been prohibitively expensive, time consuming and inconvenient to road users.

Ramboll
Bermuda Swing Bridge

Ramboll used advanced digital techniques to record the findings of the inspection of the Swing Bridge in Bermuda, allowing interrogation of elements in a digital model for condition and capacity. Combined with a parametric structural analysis model to allow rapid understanding of scenarios when degradation was identified, this allowed the inspection of the structure to be robust, with rapid understanding of the findings to be made. As well as a satisfied client for this work, the technique leaves a significant legacy for Ramboll bridge inspections and assessments in the future, especially for structures where access to inspect is constrained.

Waldeck (on behalf of Waldeck, Network Rail, Nottingham Trent University, Birmingham City University)
Network Rail Panoptic Bridge Management Project

Network Rail manages numerous bridge structures, requiring ongoing examination, assessment, maintenance, and repair. Traditional methods for managing these structures vary across the organisation, leading to inefficiencies in cost and time. The Panoptic Bridge Management project, developed by Waldeck, Nottingham Trent University (NTU), and Birmingham City University (BCU), aims to address these challenges. It introduces a web-based system for bridge examination and visualisation of examination data to improve safety, quality, and efficiency. By leveraging innovative technologies, the project aims to streamline on-site inspections, reducing person-hours through a comprehensive bridge management process.