Platteville Students Learn Benefits of LiDAR & UAS Tech for Structural Inspections

May 5, 2017

News

Firm’s Diekfuss and Chapman teach engineering students how LiDAR and UAS technology benefit inspections of structures

On April 20, Joe Diekfuss and Jon Chapman of raSmith presented to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville’s American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student chapter. Students listened to the presentation, “Incorporating LiDAR and UAS Technology in the Inspection and Evaluation of Existing Structures,” during their ASCE chapter’s final general business meeting of the year.

Diekfuss and Chapman present on technology used during structral inspections

Case studies allowed students to see how LiDAR and UAS technology aid in the evaluation of structures through real-world examples.

The presentation focused on recently completed case studies: (1) Settlement Monitoring of a Residence, Madison, Wis.; and (2) Structural Evaluation of the Taylor Hill Reservoir, Sheboygan, Wis. Through the presentation of these case studies, Diekfuss and Chapman discussed the benefits of using LiDAR and UAS technology during structural inspections. LiDAR and UAS technology provide increased efficiency, improved safety and accurate quantification of notably deficient areas discovered during structural inspections.

Diekfuss is a structural engineer and National Highway Institute (NHI) certified bridge inspector. Chapman is a survey project manager and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified UAS pilot.

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