Skyports and HOCHTIEF Conduct Remote Survey of German Bridge from Spain

Automated Drone Surveys Transform Bridge Construction in Germany

In a significant advancement for infrastructure monitoring, Skyports Drone Services has partnered with construction firm HOCHTIEF to implement a fully automated drone solution for surveying the Rheinbrücke Leverkusen bridge project in Germany. This innovative approach allows a drone pilot in Spain to monitor the construction site in real time, utilizing the DJI Dock 2 technology.

Remote Operations and Technology Integration

The drone flights are meticulously planned, launched, and monitored from Skyports’ Remote Operations Centre (ROC) located in Madrid. This setup eliminates the need for on-site personnel, enabling the collection of data on a weekly basis without physical presence at the construction site.

Key Hardware Components

The deployment features the DJI Dock 2, a compact and weatherproof drone-in-a-box station, paired with the DJI Matrice 3TD drone. The Dock 2 autonomously manages charging, pre-flight checks, and launch sequences, while the Matrice 3TD is equipped with a 48 MP wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, and a thermal imaging sensor. This combination ensures precise and reliable data collection, essential for the ongoing construction project.

Impact on Construction Monitoring

The Rheinbrücke Leverkusen project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to conclude by 2028, involves extensive earthworks and the demolition of the old bridge. The automated drone surveys provide HOCHTIEF with consistent, comparable data week after week, allowing for detailed tracking of construction progress.

Benefits of Automated Surveys

• Production of fresh 3D models of the site with each survey.
• Precise measurement of earthworks volumes.
• Verification of billing data and early detection of deviations from the project plan.

Previously, monitoring progress relied heavily on manual methods, which were infrequent and subjective. The new automated approach enhances data visibility and reduces the logistical challenges associated with on-site personnel.

Future of Drone Technology in Construction

Alex Brown, CEO of Skyports, emphasized the importance of timely and budget-conscious delivery in large infrastructure projects. The integration of automated drone surveys represents a significant operational shift, providing construction teams with unprecedented data visibility.

This deployment serves as a proof of concept for the construction industry, showcasing the potential of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone surveys. As regulations evolve, such automated systems are likely to become standard practice in infrastructure monitoring.

In summary, the Rheinbrücke Leverkusen project exemplifies the future of automated infrastructure monitoring, where drones operate autonomously, delivering high-quality data without the need for constant human oversight.