The use of innovative technologies for underwater inspection of transportation constructions

This paper raises issues of inspecting the underwater parts of transportation constructions. The authors study the problems of planning the underwater inspection and the use of innovative technologies including the remotely-controlled devices. The examination of underwater elements of bridges is an important measure for maintaining the high functionality of structures, which in turn determines the degree of resistance, durability and safety of bridges. Today in our country the presentation of problems of underwater surveys is at a very low level. The inspection and monitoring of the bridge parts located below the water level, will minimize the cost of possible subsequent repairs and reconstruction of facilities as a result of early detection of the defects and damages that can potentially cause irreversible deformation of the bridge construction. Periodic underwater surveys of each transport facility, construction of which are in direct contact with the water environment, will significantly increase the level of safe operation of facilities in our country, and will positively affect their durability. Underwater inspection of transport facilities will significantly reduce the cost of repair and reconstruction work in case of timely detection of various defects and damages. During the survey of the underwater parts of structures it is reasonable to use innovative technology available today in the form of remotely- controlled machines that can be equipped with a number of necessary devices and equipment. In the future, it is planned to create the data bank containing information on previous surveys and the results of the monitoring facilities. It will allow conducting the analysis of the current state of transportation facilities and the kinetics of its development in time.