Site Inspection
and Surveying
Automated site inspection and surveying
technologies are available that provide accurate information of
work spaces and areas often inaccessible to workers. Bridge
decks and framing, confined spaces, and deep excavations are
examples where remotely controlled inspection and surveying
equipment is especially useful. This equipment eliminates the
need for worker access to these areas, greatly enhancing worker
safety by reducing exposure to hazardous conditions. These
technologies are also able to provide information about site
conditions that cannot be accessed by workers, such as the
inside of pipes and containment structures.
Example Automated
Technologies:
The following are examples of automated site
inspection and surveying technologies that are currently
available for use in construction:
|
Technology |
Description |
|
Aerial
Bridge Inspection |
Flying machine equipped
with video cameras |
|
Exterior Wall Inspection |
Remote controlled
inspection of exterior wall tile and masonry for defects |
|
Tile Inspection Robot |
Remote controlled tile
inspection for defects |
|
Clean Room Inspection
Robot |
Inspects clean rooms for
leaks |
|
Robotic Pipe Inspection |
Travels through pipe and
searches for leaks |
|
Lady Bug-Underground
Detection Robot |
Automated analysis of
ground conditions |
Common Limiting
Design Features
The following are examples of design features
that often limit the use of automated site inspection and
surveying technologies during construction:
-
Inadequate access available that prevents the equipment from
getting to the work.
-
Inadequate clearance for operation of the equipment.
-
The
presence of obstructions in the work area preventing efficient
movement of the equipment.
-
Irregular site layout limiting the direct path of the
equipment.
Recommended
Design Practices
The following are examples of suggested design
practices that facilitate the use of automated site inspection
and surveying technologies during construction:
General design practices:
-
Design level surfaces or platforms to be free of obstacles.
-
Provide open access to all work areas.
-
Use
slip-resistant travel surfaces.
Pipe inspection:
-
Minimize bends and intermediate fixtures.
-
Maintain slopes within the automated technology
specifications.
-
Use
large size pipes.
-
Eliminate obstructions at pipe joints.
-
Provide large accessways.
Expected
Benefits
The following are examples of benefits that have
been realized from the use of automated site inspection and
surveying technologies during construction:
-
Improved ability to remotely monitor existing site conditions.
-
Ability to assess worksite conditions that are inaccessible by
workers.
-
Decreased worker exposure to safety and health hazards related
to worker access of hazardous work areas.
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