Axess Group’s Quality Control Department has completed a railway bridge inspection using a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), as part of the infrastructure’s 5-yearly inspection program. This is the first time the Bane NOR, the authority responsible for Norway’s railroad systems, focused on the systematic use of drones for the visual screening of their infrastructure.

Built in 1922, the Rolvsøysund bridge, spanning over the river of Visterflo in Østfold county, Norway, had undergone a life extension renovation program, completed in 2008. A more comprehensive inspection program was then introduced, and consequently, Axess’ QC has been contracted to complete the inspections for 2019.

Two separate mobilisations were carried out in September and October 2019, which comprised of a drone pilot, visual and coating inspector, rope access team (RAT), and non-destructive testing (NDT) specialists. Indications of damage observed during the visual screening were followed up by RAT based NDT inspections, such as Eddy Current (ET) and Magnetic Particle (MT).

Kristian Nelvik, Axess QC Operation Manager, commented: “This project has been safely executed in close cooperation with BaneNOR integrity and operational engineers. Together we have found efficient ways to complete the inspection program without interfering with planned traffic- and maintenance operations”.