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Is GMS the Future of Bridge Inspection?

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Johanna Zaho
Is GMS the Future of Bridge Inspection?

"Google Structural Inspection", that's what I'm referring to in this article. This article will help bridge inspectors become better acquainted with NELA's comprehensive offering of bridge and tunnel inspection services. To learn more about GMS, please click on the link below.

NELA is one of the largest and most successful engineering firms in North America. NELA is a multinational company that provides inspection and engineering services to bridges, tunnels, buildings, pipelines, dams, storage facilities, power generation and industrial facilities. "GMS" is a multi- disciplinary, multi-faceted structural engineering and building envelopes consulting firm headquartered in New York City. We take pride in our experience in bridge design, facade engineering, special inspections, bridge and tunnel inspection, building analysis and engineering, civil engineering and structural design.

As an inspection company, we perform bridge structural inspection as a key part of our routine maintenance services. We provide complete turnkey solutions for commercial and government clients worldwide. In addition to our extensive inspection services, GMS offers several unique and effective marketing programs that can reduce the costs associated with bridge and tunnel bridge inspection.

Bridge and Tunnel Inspection is GMS's core business. Through our comprehensive inspection program, we monitor and assess the condition of structural components and systems within the operational facility. In addition to our core inspection services, GMS offers various specialty inspection programs to address specific bridge and tunnel construction requirements. GMS is the leading authority on bridge and tunnel design standards and requires annual updates to our engineering database. In addition to our engineering database, GMS conducts periodic structural Condition Analysis (SAC) services to assure that our clients maintain safe operating conditions.

The purpose of a structural bridge inspection is to identify any deficiencies that may be present in the bridge or tunnel systems. A deficiency means there are structural issues that compromise the effectiveness of the bridge or tunnel system. In addition, a bridge or tunnel that is lacking in adequate structural integrity can be more costly to repair or even replace. A GMS bridge inspection program highlights the signs of a deficiency and provides recommendations for improving the integrity of the structure. During a routine inspection, GMS will also examine bridges under normal operating conditions. The goal is to find any signs of wear and tear such as buckles, missing bolts or other signs of weakening that can potentially lead to catastrophic failure of the bridge or tunnel.

Due to the specialized nature of bridge inspections, most bridges require automation to allow for greater efficiency and save time during inspections. Many bridge inspectors believe that automation will not only increase productivity, but also reduce the level of mistakes made during inspections. The automated bridge inspection system is designed to identify weak areas and weak points, determine the condition of the structures supports, and recommend repair or replacement. The first step of an automated bridge inspection is the detection of weak areas within the structure. An integrated system of motors and cameras will then locate the weak spot and notify the operator.

GMS is one of several companies in North America that have developed software applications that are specifically designed for the inspection of civil infrastructure such as bridges. This software allows GMS to search the Internet for images of the bridge or tunnel system and review each image in order to detect issues that may be of interest to the owner or operator. The software can also search for images that may not show the condition of the structure as needed. These images can be analyzed by GMS in order to determine the condition of the structure and what repairs need to be made.

A bridge inspection can be completed much faster if it uses a robotic system rather than a human. This saves time for the engineer, reduces human error, and reduces labour costs. A bridge inspection with a robotic system is highly specialised and cannot be performed by a non-specialised person. The majority of bridge inspectors are trained in civil engineering, but in order to be qualified to inspect structures they must undergo training specific to bridge works. GMS's innovative and patented Intelligent Control Bridges and Multi-joint Arm Technology help bridge inspectors to reduce their overall workload, making repairs easier and faster.

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