Project description
There are 371 dams in Germany, 56 of which are in Saxony. [1] For many of these, regular structural inspections cannot be carried out on the submerged components. Many bridges and other hydraulic engineering structures whose foundations are located in bodies of water are also rarely inspected below the waterline. A manual inspection in accordance with DIN 1076 is considered state of the art in the field of structural inspection. In the case of underwater components, a complete inspection of the structure is associated with high financial, personnel and logistical costs. An alternative would be to completely drain the body of water, which would result in a loss of supply and would therefore only be carried out in combination with major repairs.
The aim of the project is to develop a cost-effective method for the water-side inspection of structures during operation in order to facilitate regular, complete inspections. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is used for this purpose, which visually records the structures and enables automated detection of potentially damaged areas. In addition, scientific divers take over the inspection of these recognised damaged areas in order to carry out a precise assessment. The findings will be incorporated into a guideline for the systematic inspection of structures below the waterline.
Project partners and tasks
Scientific Diving Center Freiberg
- construction of the sensor module with stereo camera system, underwater lighting and line laser
- creation of test specimens with simulated damaged areas for validation, accuracy testing and identification of the system's operational limits
- integration of the sensor module into the dive computer
- construction of the cable routing for the AUV
- analysing the images using photogrammetry
- investigation of a pilot structure
- public relations work
Institute of Computer Science at TU Freiberg
- commissioning the submersible robot
- assembly and commissioning of the land station
- integration of the sensor module into the diving robot
- positioning and path planning of the diving robot
- optimisation of the recording parameters
- analysing the laser projection images
- investigation of a pilot structure
- public relations work
GeoWiD
- recording the actual condition of a reference property
- validation of the different types of utilisation
- investigation on a pilot building
- testing of the final application process
- review / evaluation of sensor detection
- public relations work
Associated partners
Landestalsperrenverwaltung of Saxony
- serves as an interface to the users
- guarantees access to dams
- provides reference and damage data from investigations carried out
DEKRA
- testing centre for structures (above and below water)
- safety and risk assessment in accordance with applicable standards
- assessment of potential hazards and recommendation for repair measures
Milan Geoservices GmbH
- creation of elevation and terrain models
- surveying in water using hydroacoustics and depth sounding
- external expertise for the overall project
- advice on functionality and handling for practical application of the end product