Drone Chimney Inspection & 3D Model

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High Exposure is a leading drone survey and inspection company based in Sydney, Australia. Specialising in advanced aerial surveying technologies, High Exposure leverages unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct efficient and cost-effective inspections across various sectors. This case study details the recent project involving the structural inspection of a 28-meter brick chimney at the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital

Project Overview:

The primary objective of this project was to conduct a comprehensive structural inspection of the chimney at RPA Hospital. The inspection involved the use of a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to examine the chimney’s condition and highlight any required repairs. The scope was defined as follows:

– Conduct a detailed inspection of the chimney’s structural integrity using drone technology.

– Create a high-resolution 3D model to facilitate engineering assessments.

– Provide data and visuals for subsequent decision-making regarding repairs and related costs.

High detail 3D model of the RPA Chimney Stack

Challenges:

The project presented several challenges:

  1. Access Difficulties: Traditional inspection methods were not feasible due to the height of the chimney and the associated risks of scaffolding or climbing.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: The site was located within 5.5 km of Sydney Airport (YSSY), necessitating careful planning and adherence to Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations for drone operations.
  3. Weather Conditions: The project timeline was impacted by variable weather patterns typical of the Sydney region, necessitating flexibility in scheduling.

Equipment Used:

To overcome these challenges, High Exposure utilised cutting-edge equipment:

  • Drone: A high end photogrammetry UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) equipped with high-resolution cameras and flight planning software was used for aerial data collection.
  • Photogrammetry Software: Advanced photogrammetry software was employed to process the drone-captured imagery and convert it into accurate 3D models
  • GPS and RTK Technology: To ensure accuracy, High Exposure integrated Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning with the drone to ensure centimeter-level precision.

Permits:

Before commencing the inspection, High Exposure applied for and secured a CASA permit, which was crucial given the proximity to YSSY. The permitting process included a detailed flight plan, risk assessments, and operational protocols to ensure the safety and compliance of the drone operations.

 

 Methodology

  1. The inspection was carried out as follows:

    1. Planning: A meticulous flight plan was developed, taking into account the geographical features surrounding RPA Hospital, local air traffic, and weather conditions.
    2. Equipment: An RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) drone was utilized for this inspection, chosen for its precision and accuracy in capturing high-resolution imagery.
    3. Flight Execution: 

       – The drone was piloted to capture thousands of images in a systematic manner from various angles and elevations.

       – The images were collected using a high-resolution camera, which allowed for detailed imaging of the chimney structure.

    1. Data Processing: Once the flight was completed, the images were processed using photogrammetry software to create a detailed 3D model of the chimney.

Deliverables

  • High-Resolution 3D Model: A comprehensive, accurate 3D representation of the chimney that the engineering team could explore to evaluate its structural integrity.
  • Online Platform Access: The 3D model was hosted on a web-based platform that allowed stakeholders to annotate, measure, and analyze the model interactively. Users could also access the original JPEG images used in the model for additional detail or context.

Conclusion

The inspection of the chimney at RPA Hospital underscored the effectiveness of drone technology in conducting structural assessments. By employing UAVs, High Exposure not only ensured the safety of personnel but also significantly reduced the time required for inspections compared to traditional methods.

Benefits to using drone technology;

  1. Efficiency: The use of drone technology allowed for a rapid assessment of the chimney’s condition, enabling timely decision-making by the engineering team regarding necessary repairs.
  2. Cost-Effective: The reduction in the need for scaffolding or crane operations led to cost savings in both labor and materials.
  3. Enhanced Data Quality: The high-resolution 3D model provided an exceptional level of detail for analysis, enhancing the overall quality of the inspection and enabling better planning for remediation.
  4. Safety: Drones mitigated risks associated with high-altitude inspections, ensuring that personnel remained safe throughout the process.

Overall, the project at RPA Hospital exemplified how drone technology can revolutionise inspection practices across various industries, providing safer, faster, and more precise outcomes.

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