Failures in surface and subsurface infrastructure such as pipelines, machinery and other critical support systems cause expensive interruptions to operation and production at many installations. A systematic approach in identifying and evaluating risks associated with infrastructure using small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAVs) can help manage and effectively mitigate these risks. A focused approach in identifying leaks and potential risks to efficient functioning of systems, using tools such as remote infrared, and thermal imagery techniques, chemical sensors, geophysical tools, help can identify problems even ahead of time, and benefit preventative maintenance of the equipment and infrastructure. A rapid deployment of such tools in the follow up of disasters such as floods and earthquakes can help timely inspection, response and restoration efforts. Using latest large data analytics techniques to process and interpret data gathered through these rapid acquisition tools, can make this procedure more effective in modeling and predicting the potential failure and develop robust solution strategies in many challenging situations. (To be updated soon)

Primary Author/Conference Presenter:
Sriram Madabhushi
Booz Allen Hamilton
San Antonio, Texas
USA

Co-Author:
Troy Gonzalez