New Inspection Technologies for Waterfront Structural Engineering & Asset Management

Abstract: Advancements in inspection technologies and processes have made it safer and more efficient to inspect, document, and assess all types of waterfront structures, above and below the waterline. This paper discusses the implementation of these new inspection technologies, exploring their benefits, effectiveness, limitations, and potential pitfalls.

As the advancement of technology continues to accelerate, new tools are coming to the market at a record pace. In recent years, various technologies have infiltrated the waterfront inspection market. LIDAR and photogrammetric algorithms are leveraged to generate 3D digital twins. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) capture video or photographs of structures and provide close visual inspection of areas that are difficult and/or dangerous to access. Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs), Unmanned Surface Vessels, or Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) capture video, photographs and/or sonar information. Sector scanning sonar, multibeam imaging sonar, side scan sonar, and sonar data processing software allow for sonar-based imaging and analysis of underwater structures. These technologies offer cost-effective means of accelerating and improving data collection while reducing risk associated with traditional waterfront inspection techniques. The ubiquity of unmanned vehicles, sonar, and digital twins will only continue to grow and become more commonplace in the future.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are on the precipice of revolutionizing almost every aspect of our lives. AI tools are already emerging in the Waterfront Inspection and Asset Management space and on their way to becoming common place. AI and machine learning tools organize, process, and review data to highlight defects and damage throughout a structure, inventory parts, and make comparisons between current and historical data. In addition, oversight and training of the AI is discussed, with requirements to accurately identify defects and needs for verification of data.

Waterfront facility construction and usage vary as widely as the waterways they occupy, each with its own unique sets of needs and challenges. Each of these technologies offers significant advantages in some applications, but no one tool can meet every need or challenge. For example, Sector Scanning Sonar can very efficiently and accurately document open corrosion spalls on the face of a concrete gravity wall when marine growth is limited but is not capable of detecting moderate corrosion on steel H-piles covered with barnacles. Selecting the right tool(s) for the task is critical in optimizing a waterfront inspection program and effectively informing asset management decision-making. Owners, operators, and consultants must have a clear and complete understanding of these technologies, the values they can bring, and how best to leverage each.

Developed in conjunction with the ASCE Waterfront Inspection Committee on the Manual of Practice 130, this paper presents recommendations on the incorporation of these innovations with industry standards. This paper serves to augment ASCE Waterfront Inspection and Assessment Guidelines Manual MOP 130 and provide guidance on best practices for the use of each technology.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: This paper discusses new inspection technologies available to assist engineers in the collection and processing of data. Identifies key strengths and weaknesses of various options and how each option can be utilized to provide better data, and efficiency. Identify how this data should not be used and help the industry understand critical limitations of these technologies. The paper guides the use of these technologies to inform decisions on repairs, maintenance, and life cycle costs for waterfront facilities. Additionally, how they can help improve construction implementation of designs for repair or retrofit of structures

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes, this is the very focus of this paper.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: This paper pulls together leading experts in the industry who are pioneering the use of these new technologies. This paper identifies challenges that could prevent or hinder use of the various technologies and discusses best practice and use cases that each fit best.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: Engineers & Waterfront Facility owners and operators