UAV‐based GPR prototype for structural monitoring of bridges: preliminary results and perspectives

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a challenging task requiring novel inspection paradigms and methodological tools devoted to support effective and timely maintenance actions. In this context, non‐destructive technologies (NDTs) turn out to be of paramount importance and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is worthy of consideration for on‐demand, high‐resolution, subsurface surveys. Although GPR is an assessed technology, commercially available systems mainly work close to the structure under test, and those suitable to be mounted on moving platforms are hard to be used for the inspection of vertical structures. In this frame, mini–Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with radar systems are worthy of consideration because of their potential advantages in terms of versatility. This paper deals with the design of a compact mini‐drone‐based radar prototype for contactless imaging of elongated, horizontal and vertical structures. Herein, the design guidelines are discussed qualitatively and the assembled prototype is presented. Moreover, a performance analysis is provided by accounting for simulated data and preliminary experiments carried out in controlled conditions. Conclusions analyze challenges and perspectives.