Description
Real-time assessment presents a significant challenge in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), where the timely detection of structural defects, assessment of actual loads, and determination of in-service strength are crucial. This paper introduces an innovative approach that utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and vision-based technology to revolutionize SHM. A laboratory test on reinforced concrete beams was conducted, employing UAV-mounted high-resolution cameras and image processing techniques to capture surface data in real time. Damage was simulated using a closed-form solution for the progression of flexural cracks, providing insight into the assessment of in-service strength. The integration of UAV-based vision data collection and monitoring with cracking simulation offers a data-driven, real-time solution for enhanced structural assessment. This approach advances timely structural health monitoring, maintenance planning, and infrastructure safety, with profound implications for the field. This novel integration signifies a major step forward in SHM especially if integrated with other technological advancements leading to a better understanding of structural health monitoring.
