Bridge Inspection Vehicle being used for Inspections

However, since the risk calculations are done using predicted deterioration, there may be some discrepancies between the repair plans based on risk assessments and the actual situation. Because of this, when using the results of risk assessments, a road management official must go to the site of the place to be repaired to check the actual condition of that section. The section to be repaired is selected once the necessity of repair has been given a final decision.

Though there is a need to improve the accuracy of the social impact assessment method, the process of incorporating social impact and prioritizing repair work in the order of sections of highest risk will be an effective practice for local governments with limited budgets.

From the examples above, we must first regularly clarify the actual situation of the region’s social infrastructures, the usage situation, and the cost of maintenance, management, and upgrading to deepen the residents’ understanding. It is important to figure out what measures need to be initiated based on their understanding. Additionally, when actually going forward with the maintenance, management, and upgrading of social infrastructures, we must think in the long-term to find ways of minimizing costs—while clarifying the rules used so that residents can also understand regarding maintenance, management, and upgrading—and promote the selection of and concentration on such efforts.

## 3 Using New Technology and Training Leaders for Maintenance, Management, and Upgrading

## (1) Using New Technology to Make Maintenance, Management, and Upgrading More Efficient

Amidst the difficult financial situation and lack of engineers, in order to adequately deal with the future aging of social infrastructures, we need to develop and use new technology that makes it possible to maintain and manage infrastructure efficiently. Therefore, below we will introduce initiatives that are developing and using new technology—within the inspection and diagnostic technology and monitoring technology sectors—to make maintenance and management more effective and efficient.

## (Advanced Inspection and Diagnostic Technology)

As a countermeasure for the declining labor force and with the aim to improve productivity, the use of robots is spreading in various aspects of industry and daily life, giving rise to an expectation of a rapid growth in the robotics industry. The use of robots is expected for infrastructure inspections and diagnostics as well. For example, the East Nippon Expressway Company is considering the utilization of the UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle) system for things like bridge inspections.

For example—with the current methods of inspection—lane restriction must be provided for bridge inspection vehicles in order to conduct a close proximity visual inspection in high altitude places without inspection paths (Figure 2-3-29). Things like the concrete surfaces and attachments of tall piers, steep slopes that are difficult to walk on, and inspecting the river sections of bridges, are all very difficult. Using a UAV would be the substitute for those operations, and based on the images taken, we would be able to narrow down the sections that need a hammering test. This is expected to make inspections much more efficient, while allowing inspection engineers to focus on places that require a more advanced gauge.

Figure 2-3-29

Source) East Nippon Expressway Company