Development of an autonomous system for assessment and prediction of structural integrity

Development of innovative solutions for the maintenance of transport infrastructure facilities is needed in order to ensure a more rational, planned and lower-cost maintenance of transport infrastructure, and to ultimately minimise the risk of catastrophic consequences. A system for an autonomous inspection of structures, based on advanced measuring methods integrated on a wall-climbing robot and an unmanned aerial vehicle, is currently developed in the scope of the ASAP project. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview and draw attention to disadvantages of conventional methods for testing materials and structures in order to assess their condition. This objective was the main motivation for forming a multidisciplinary team through the ASAP project. Possibilities and challenges in the development of an autonomous structural-assessment system are also presented in the paper, with the purpose of increasing the reliability and efficiency of systemic assessment of structures.