摘要: |
The project will be executed in two (2) phases, i.e. Phase I, the Research or Technical Phase, and Phase II, the Implementation Phase. Phase I will commence with surveys, data gathering, and analysis pursuant to provide recommendations for two instrumented Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (UAVs) for demonstration to determine their application, feasibility, suitability, practicality, and effectiveness according to a defined rubric centered around routine bridge inspection activities. The Research/Technical phase will finish with a report on the findings of the demonstration project, identifying the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of the use of UAVs in routine bridge inspection work in Louisiana.
The Second phase, i.e. the Implementation Phase, will utilize the informational and educational fruits of the technical research phase for Workforce Development, Outreach Activities, and Education. Workforce development will include disseminating the results through conferences, meetings, workshops, the project website, and webinars to educate and train professionals in the transportation industry, educating students and practicing engineers. The Workforce Development activities will provide critical information to both students and practicing engineers pertaining to the deployment of UAVs in bridge inspection, enabling them to gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by Instrumented-UAV technologies. Outreach activities will recruit undergraduate and underrepresented groups, engaging high school students in the project effort. |