Drone inspection of bridges and engineering structures documents the condition of bridges, retaining walls, footbridges and river structures without a lift platform, without scaffolding and, most of the time, without closing the road. The camera gets close to piers, bearings, facings and deck undersides, and delivers dated images you can compare from one year to the next.
What the drone brings to the inspection
- Access: tall piers, deck undersides, abutments and facings that are hard to reach without heavy equipment.
- Safety: nobody has to climb into a lift platform or work above a drop or traffic.
- Documentation: georeferenced high-resolution photos and 4K video, with a repeatable flight plan so surveys can be compared over time.
- Speed: short flight time on site, then a report within 48 h.
Which defects are visible?
| Defect | What you see | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete cracks | Cracks, crazing, construction-joint marks | Can let water through to the reinforcement |
| Spalling and exposed reinforcement | Burst concrete, visible steel | Reinforcement corrosion, loss of section |
| Steel corrosion | Rust, flaking paint | Deterioration of metal members and connections |
| Water ingress and efflorescence | Damp patches, whitish deposits | Indicate a path for water through the structure |
| Joints and bearings | Damaged joints, problems around bearings | May signal movement or a waterproofing defect |
| Vegetation and deposits | Plants in joints, debris, deposits | Speed up deterioration and hinder drainage |
Limits to be aware of
- The drone does not touch the structure: hammer sounding, carbonation tests, coring and bearing checks remain hands-on checks.
- Wind and turbulence near piers and decks limit flights.
- Under a deck, satellite positioning can be degraded: these flights are more demanding.
- The analysis remains an engineer’s job: our images and report are a basis for the owner’s assessment.
International feedback agrees: in the United States, the Federal Highway Administration presents the drone as a way to improve access and documentation, not as a replacement for hands-on inspection (FHWA technical brief).
The framework in Switzerland
For national roads, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) governs the monitoring and maintenance of engineering structures through its directives, with periodic main inspections (see the FEDRO standards on engineering structures, in French). The drone supports these inspections; its use in a given framework is agreed with the owner. On the flying side, proximity to roads and people means respecting distances and restricted zones: see our article on drone regulations in Switzerland.
What you receive
- HD photos and 4K video of the structure, face by face;
- precise location of defects and classification by urgency;
- follow-up recommendations;
- optionally, a 3D model and point cloud of the structure (3D scanning and modelling).
Prices
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Drone inspection (Essential to Pro packages) | From CHF 390 |
| Complementary 3D scan | From CHF 690 |
| Engineering structure (bridge, retaining wall, footbridge) | On quote depending on size, access and deliverables |
Frequently asked questions
Does a drone replace the main inspection of a bridge?
No. The drone complements the inspection: it gives access to hard-to-reach areas, produces dated photographic documentation and allows a first screening of visible defects. Hands-on checks (sounding, tests on the material) and assessment by an engineer remain necessary.
What defects can a drone spot on an engineering structure?
Defects visible on the surface: cracks, spalling, exposed reinforcement, steel corrosion, efflorescence, traces of moisture and water ingress, damaged joints, vegetation and deposits. What a camera cannot see is not detected.
How much does a drone inspection of an engineering structure cost?
The Inspection package starts at CHF 390; the price for a bridge or retaining wall depends on its size, access and deliverables, and is quoted free within 24h. A complementary 3D scan starts at CHF 690.
See also our drone inspection services or request a free quote: we reply within 24h anywhere in French-speaking Switzerland.