engleski

Remote surveying of flood protection embankments

The need to assess present condition of flood protection embankments becomes more important in recent years. But besides the standard in-situ and laboratory methods for identification of their condition, some novel methods are entering through a “backdoor” and showing high potential, even though designers and investors are in generally not familiar with their possibilities. One of such methods, which can be useful for assessment of current condition, is usage of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) also known as ‘drone’ which is characterized by an increasing number of engineering applications. First benefit of this method is in interactive approach for visual assessment of condition where a wider aerial picture can be obtained by having a sole operator on site, while the other participants in design of embankment’s remediation (persons who conduct investigation works, designers, investors etc.) can interactively be involved while not being present on site. Also, large areas which are the case for linear structures such as flood protection embankments, can be surveyed in fast manner, reducing the time necessary for standard visual assessment. However, full potential of this method is in possibility for advanced engineering analysis through the formation of orthophoto maps and 3D models using aerial photogrammetry. From this type of models, a complete spatial characteristics of embankments can be obtained with provisional cross sections extrapolated, thus avoiding a current practice where surveying activities are conducted along several profiles. The paper presents the possibilities of using Unmanned Aerial Systems on flood protection embankments, emphasizing their advantages and shortcomings.

unmanned aerial system (UAS), remote survey, flood protection embankment, interactive condition assessment, photogrammetry

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