Towards the Application of Image Based Monitoring of USACE Large Civil Infrastructure

Abstract

The extensive infrastructure portfolio maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is in a state of degrading performance, with some components presently being used well beyond their design life. As part of an effort to maximize the impact of available maintenance funds, and ultimately extend the useful life of the infrastructure, the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is developing and deploying novel structural health monitoring (SHM) tools and methodologies. Currently deployed systems are based on data collected from applied, discrete, sensors, such as strain gages. However, with the increase in quality and decreased cost of modern camera systems, and the continued maturation of image based damage detection methodologies, it is clear that there are opportunities to incorporate image-based sensing technology into the USACE SHM strategy. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current state of the art in the use of imaging for inspections of large civil infrastructure, and to propose a new applications based on the needs of the USACE. The non-contact approach would provide a means to inspect large infrastructure in a safer, more timely, and more cost-effective manner.