29

588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

For official use only

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

Guidelines for
4D (BrIM) based Inspection of Indian Railway Bridges
Using 3D Bridge Information Model and Unmanned Aerial
System (Drone)

REPORT NO. BS-129(R1)

May- 2021

Issued by

BRIDGE & STRUCTURES DIRECTORATE

RESEARCH DESIGNS & STANDARDS ORGANISATION
MANAK NAGAR, LUCKNOW –226011
 30
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO
 31
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Guidelines for
4D (BrIM) based Inspection of Indian Railway Bridges
Using 3D Bridge Information Model and Unmanned Aerial System
(Drone)

1.0 Abbreviations
UAV : Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UAN : Unique Authorization Number
UAS : Unmanned Aerial System
LED : Light-Emitting Diode
BrIM : Bridge Information Model (Digital Twin)
GAD : General Arrangement Drawing
GCP : Ground Control Points
DGPS : Deferential Global Positioning System
DGCA : Directorate General of Civil Aviation
NPNT : No Permission No Takeoff
CAPI : Critical Areas of Particular Interest
BMS : Bridge Management System

2.0 Introduction
2.1 There are more than 1,50,000 bridges in Indian Railways including about 700
Important & 12000 Major bridges. All these bridges need regular monitoring, periodic
inspection and maintenance to make railway operation fail safe. Monitoring strategies play a
major role in achieving the target of service life of bridges. Currently, the inspections of these
bridges are carried out by mobile inspection units, ladders, rope access etc. Regardless of
the method used to carry out the inspection, the associated costs and dangers remain a
challenge. Mobile inspection units require operation closures and blockage of routes, while
inspection by ropes/ladders require a high level of training and expertise and still have issues
related with resource availability, time needed and safety of the inspection staff.
2.2 Therefore, in most cases, these inspections are technically and logistically complex.
The inspection of critical structural components and difficult spots that are hard to reach is
mostly done by specially trained staff like industrial climbers or with large under bridge units,
elevated platforms or other specialized equipment.
2.3 Remote controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) equipped with high definition
photo and video cameras can simplify these difficult inspection tasks. This method provides
an important contribution to monitoring strategies in terms of quality and efficiency.
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) commonly known as "Drone" is considered as an efficient
tool for mapping, monitoring, inspection and planning for transportation corridors and
projects. This latest technology needs to be leveraged for better monitoring and management
in Indian Railways. The geographical intelligence captured by drone technology can help in
efficient mapping and faster decision making.

1
 32
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

2.4 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is truly a disruptive & emerging technology with
potential applications in bridge inspection & monitoring which is capable of giving access to
engineer's eyes in the hardest to reach places of a bridge, without the need of blockage of
routes and expensive access vehicles or potentially dangerous rigging (or even ladders).
UAS is an efficient way of capturing the photographs or Video of the various structures of
bridges in challenging locations which helps in efficient bridge structure inspection and
maintenance.

3.0 Digital Twin - 4D BrIM, Bridge Information Model Integrated Drone Inspection
3.1 Bridges are constructed based on the GAD (General arrangement Drawing) &
Detailed designs. These GADs are available in the form of 2D drawings printed on paper or
scanned Pdf files, with railways for most of the bridges except the bridges those are very old.
It is difficult to refer these traditional 2D paper or CAD drawing for the inspection &
maintenance purpose. Moreover, the inspections records are not being linked with the
designed elements of the Bridges and thus are hard to visualize, compare and comprehend.
Regular Monitoring, Inspection & Maintenance management is a difficult and complicated
task. The periodic inspection of the same Bridge and comparison of same is essential for
holistic bridge maintenance.
3.2 In the 4D Bridge information modelling (BrIM) based approach the 3D Model of the
Bridge is developed for managing and maintaining the inspection records. The integration of
BrIM model along with related information of bridge inspection (Data captured using Drone
etc.) shall improve the efficiency of maintenance and management work of bridge. This has
also to be integrated with existing Bridge Management System (BMS).

4.0 Advantages of UAS/UAV:

a) UAVs can be used in the field for bridge inspections safely. The risk to inspection
personnel and public is very low.
b) UAVs can be used as a tool by bridge engineer to view and assess bridge
elements conditions in accordance with the Bridge Standard.
c) Defects can be identified and viewed with a level of detail equivalent to a close-up
photo.
d) General Measurements can be estimated from images.
e) UAVs can provide a cost effective way to obtain detailed information that may not
normally be obtained during routine inspections.
f) Safety risks associated with train traffic, working at height, etc. could be minimized
with the use of UAVs.
g) UAVs can be utilized as an effective method to determine stream or river bank
conditions upstream or downstream of the bridge as well as capture large overall
aerial maps of dynamic bank erosion and lateral scour conditions.
h) UAVs can provide important pre-inspection information for planning large-scale
inspections. Information such as clearances, rope access anchor points and
general conditions can easily be obtained with a UAV and would aid in the planning
of an inspection.

2
 33
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

5.0 Advantages of 4D BrIM, Bridge Information Model Integrated Inspection:

a) 3D Model of bridge brings clarity & understanding of the bridge geometrical details.
b) 3D Model integrated with maps provides greater understanding about the bridge
location, upstream & downstream challenges.
c) Rich Visualization of any part of bridge.
d) Enables dissemination and sharing of information in the 3D environment.
e) Enhances communication and coordination among officials.
f) Base line Model to compare the periodic inspection records.
g) Web-based 3D technology to enhance the inspection records and its effectiveness.

6.0 Limitations
Drone survey can be used as guidance for conducting manual survey or general
survey of bridges but cannot be used in totality for complete/overall safety inspection of
bridges. It can be utilized as technological up gradation for aiding the effective inspection
of non-approachable /inaccessible locations of bridge component for future study and
analysis etc.

7.0 Objective
a) To Develop 3D model (Digital Twin / BrIM) of the Bridge using the GAD. The BrIM
shall retain Bridge information in a digital format, and facilitates easy updating and
transfer of these information in the 3D CAD environment. Drone Inspection data
shall be linked with the Bridge 3D model.
b) Visual Inspection of the bridge by recording systematically and periodically the state
of the structure by high resolution camera mounted Drones. This enables one to
know the conditions of Bridge and identify actual and potential sources of trouble at
the earliest.
c) To provide feed-back of information to custodians of the bridges on those features
which are likely to give maintenance problems and necessary attention is to be
taken.
d) To provide necessary information to aid in decision making for carrying out
maintenance repairs, strengthening or replacement of the structure.
e) Web based BMS linked BrIM environment enable railway official to obtain an
overview of the bridge geometry and drone inspection data quickly. This will allow
officials to track and access the most recent drone inspections information,
condition, and later correlate the maintenance record during the maintenance
phase.

8.0 Scope of Bridge Arial Survey

8.1 Bridge inspections are performed using a variety of methods to access areas of
bridges that are inaccessible from the ground or bridge deck. Different methods work well

3
 34
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

in different conditions and with different types of bridge. Surface damages like cracks and
spalling can only be detected from close distances. Inspectors need to work at the same
close distance right at the bridge, which is expensive and frequently risky. Often inspectors
need support of industrial climbers, scaffoldings, cranes or boats, to access remote and
critical spots. Every structural analysis is thus very time-consuming, and generates
significant financial and human costs. A solution for accurate monitoring is possible without
high financial resources or human cost. UAV can be flown over/under/side of the Bridges,
the waypoint automation flights are exact and reproducible. With an established stable and
reproducible pathway, the slightest alterations to a structural integrity can be detected with
the UAV.
8.2 High quality inspection data are essential for a reliable state estimation of
structures. Due to the high wind stability of the flight system and the fully stabilized
(horizontal and vertical compensation) camera, the high resolution photos and videos allow
detailed inspection of inaccessible areas. Furthermore, global positioning and inertial
measurement units, which are built into the flight systems, allow an advanced navigation
and semi-autonomous inspection flight. The gathered data can be geo- referenced for later
storage in dedicated databases, so that inspection results can be related to locations on
the structure. This offers the possibility of 3D-modelling of structures in relation to a direct
referenced visualization of inspection of observations.

8.3 Areas of Interest in Steel Girder Bridges (Plate Girder and Open Web Girder)
a) Abutments
b) Piers
c) Bed Blocks
d) Bearings & vicinity
e) Lateral Bracing
f) Sleeper Seats
g) Flooring arrangement and connections with bottom chords, cross griders
h) Gusset connection of top lateral bracing to top boom
i) Bridge Deck
j) Protection Works, etc.

8.4 Areas of Interest in Concrete Girder Bridges

a) Abutments
b) Piers
c) Bed Blocks
d) Bearings & vicinity
e) Anchorage Zone
f) Deck Slab
g) Top and bottom flange of I-girder

4
 35
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

h) Bottom slab in box girder

i) Webs
j) Diaphragms
k) Junction of slab and web
l) Junction of precast and in situ cast elements
m) Segmental Joints
n) Protection Works, etc.

8.5 Critical Areas of Particular Interest (CAPI) are the specific areas based on the
historical inspection records, failure reports, repair and rehabilitation records and need
special attention while inspection.

9.0 UAS (Drone) Details

9.1 Purpose of these details is to standardize Rail-bridge inspection methodology using
drones for consistent and comparable results irrespective of drone type, skill of operator and
other site based variables such as types of bridges, location and weather conditions.

9.2 Drones, camera and data processing technologies are evolving at rapid pace hence it
becomes further more important to have uniformity.

S.No Items Details

Survey Grade drone, NPNT Compliant as per

1 Drone
DGCA Regulation

2 UAS Type Rotatory Wing

3 Number of Propellers 4 minimum

4 Wind Resistance Minimum 35 km/hr

5 Flight Control System Offer Critical systems redundancy

6 Operating Temperature -10° C to 45° C

7 Hovering Accuracy (minimum) Vertical: ±0.5 m, Horizontal: ± 1.5 m

UAS must be fitted dual GPS/GNSS receivers

(GPS and Glonass) to constantly provide
8 GPS / GNSS
feedback to Drone to correct its positional
accuracy.

Drone must be equipped with DGPS to

9 Position Correction improve the positional accuracy of drone
while airborne and avoid interference with

5
 36
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

S.No Items Details

steel structure

Photo & Videos captured by UAS must be

10 Geotagging
geo tagged to position recorded by Drone

11 Operating Frequency DGCA Compliant

12 Transmission Distance DGCA Compliant

Must have an appropriate display to indicate

Drone position, altitude, heading and remaining
13 Display
battery status all the times when Drone is
airborne.

Flashing lights, anti-collision strobe lights with

14 Flashing Lights
heading indicator

Any colour except red and green, or as per

15 Aircraft Colour
regulations

16 Obstacle avoidance Should be equipped with obstacle avoidance.

Must have low battery audio warning to warn

17 Low Battery Charge
operator below 30% charge.

18 Image Resolution 20 MP

19 Video Resolution 4K

20 Photo Format JPEG, TIFF or similar

21 Video Format MOV, MP4 or similar

22 Field of View (FOV) 60° or higher

system should have live video/picture available

23 FPV- (First Person View) at control station to capture the relevant project
details precisely with right context

a) Capability of capturing stationary or

orbiting mode at any point.
Drone should have these b) APP based tracking
24
capabilities
c) Geo Fencing capability
d) DGPS technology integrated UAS (Drone)
shall be utilized which is having PPK/RTK

6
 37
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

S.No Items Details

(Post processing Kinematic/Real Time
Kinematic) technology for precise geo
tagging of captured images.
e) Drone shall be equipped with LiDAR
sensor for capturing bridge data in
vegetation area.

10.0 Systematic Bridge Inspection Methodology

10.1 Introduction
10.1.1 The methodology of inspection using UAS will be a Seven-stage process.
a) Planning & Preparation
b) 3D Bridge Model Development
c) Site Assessment
d) Drone Data Acquisition
e) Drone Data Processing
f) Analysis and Reporting
g) Data Publishing and Integration with BMS

10.1.2 Stage 1: Planning & Preparation –

10.1.2.1 To complete the Bridge Information Review, the Information such as as-built
plans, historical inspection reports, and other applicable documents should be studied in
this stage to ensure a complete inspection of the bridge structure. For instance, the review
of the inspection reports allows a pilot to identify critical inspection locations (e.g., deck or
girders) prior to the drone-enabled inspection. The information gained during this stage
permits the pilot to develop flight strategies under limited bridge approachability conditions,
identify current damage, and monitor or update critical damage such as concrete cracks on
the target bridge.

10.1.3 Stage 2: 3D Bridge Model Development (Only one Time for a bridge)
10.1.3.1 At this Stage the approved GAD (General arrangement drawings) available with
the railway shall be collected in the form of PDF or AutoCAD drawings. In case CAD files are
not available with railway then the scaled CAD file shall be developed using available PDF.
The As-Built Scaled 3D model shall be developed by referring the scaled CAD files. These
3D Model shall be developed in advance 3D BrIM modelling software. The Models shall be
developed so that each element which is required for the inspection can be individually
selected, rendered and can be connected with the drone inspection data. The Levels of
Detail (LOD) 200/300 shall be used including defining a general model with approximate
values for each element.
Following Part of the Bridge should be modelled:
10.1.3.2 Steel Girder Bridges (Plate Girder and Open Web Girder)

7
 38
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Important Structures such as Abutments, Piers, Bed Blocks, Bearings & vicinity,
Lateral Bracing, Sleeper Seats, Flooring arrangement connections with chords, cross girders,
Gusset connection of lateral bracing to top boom, Bridge Deck, Protection Works attached to
bridge structure shall be modeled
10.1.3.3 Concrete Girder Bridges
Important Structures such as Protection Works, Abutments, Piers, Bed Block,
Bearings & vicinity, Anchorage Zone, Deck Slab, Top and bottom flange of I-girder, Bottom
slab in box girder, Webs, Diaphragms, Junction of slab and web, Junction of precast and in
situ cast elements, Segmental Joints, Expansion Joints shall be modeled
10.1.3.4 BrIM shall be developed with the lightweight techniques so that the models can be
operated in Web based Application and could adapt to different users online. The Levels of
Detail (LOD) 200/300 shall be used including defining a general model with approximate
values for each element. Information such as size, shape, orientation and location along with
other non-geometric information is to be associated with each element of the model to the
model data. 3D Model should not involve the information related to the unnoticeable \ internal
structure details,
10.1.3.5 BrIM models shall be compatible to link with inspection data for effective reporting
of condition, maintenance needs, planned maintenance and other important data reflected in
the digital twin. BrIM Modeling Software such as Revit, Tekla, Bentley, ArchiCad or similar
shall be used and model shall be in interoperable open IFC format.

10.1.4 Stage 3: Site Assessment - To perform a thorough Site Risk Assessment of

the bridge’s surrounding areas
10.1.4.1 This stage is intended to identify potential risks such as near trees or traffic lanes
to safely proceed with the drone-enabled inspection. Other benefits of performing a site risk
assessment prior to conducting the inspection include identification of safe landing/take off
zones, safe bridge approaching areas, and pilot risk minimization. Additionally, the legal
regulations should be accounted for prior to establishing a flying strategy. Legal regulations
vary from location to location.
10.1.4.2 The objective of the study will be to finalize operational parameters such as UAS
take-off and landing zones, flight plan, traffic or power block requirements, GCP locations (if
needed), requirements of observers and any other measures for safety of the men and
material.

10.1.5 Stage 4: Drone Data Acquisition

10.1.5.1 Once all the preliminary information has been gathered during the previous stages,
the inspection using the drone can be conducted. During the operation of the drone, it is
necessary to consider weather conditions such as wind, because it can negatively affect the
performance of the drone. Aside from weather condition, the inspection plan should be
performed as planned to avoid delays or damage to both the structure and the drone. It is
recommended to capture the overall sections of the bridge, and then gather close-up or
detailed information of each structural and non-structural component. It can be noted that
current regulation does not allow drone operation over traffic, thus, the inspection of some
sections (i.e., location over roadway) should be conducted accordingly. The Pilot-in-
Command (PIC) should be continuously assisted by an observer to avoid distraction and

8
 39
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

possible accidents.
10.1.5.2 To perform the Drone Pre-flight Setup - It is recommended, to conduct a
thorough inspection of the drone prior to the first flight of the day. Inspections of all the
softwares and hardwares including, but not limited to, propellers and rotors inspection, full
charging of all instruments (e.g., a remote controller, storage batteries, and a monitor),
remote controller adjustments, gimbal inspection, and firmware updates should be
conducted. A compass calibration must be performed prior to flying at a new location to
prevent GPS signal loss during a flight.
10.1.5.3 Ground Control Points (GCP): GCP’s are used to enhance the positional
accuracy of the data developed from drone images. At least 4 GCP’s shall be established
using DGPS (Differential Global Positioning system), GCP’s shall be marked on permanent
structures (Bridge Abutments or retaining walls preferably) by paint marking and nail so that it
can be referred during the data collection for each repeated bridge inspections in future
10.1.5.4 Data Acquisition: The whole length of the Bridge is to be inspected covering the
Bridge structures as mentioned in the scope of Bridge Aerial Survey work under Areas of
Interest Critical Areas of Particular Interest (CAPI) such as Foundation, Abutments, piers,
girders, chords, bearings, bottom trough, joints, rail etc. Substructure and surroundings
including buffer of 100m toward Increasing & decreasing chainage and 100m in upstream &
downstream of the river/nalas/stream/road/canal etc. crossing the bridge.
10.1.5.5 Survey grade UAS (Drone) with High resolution digital camera capable of collecting
geo-tagged video (at least 4K resolutions) & high resolution images (at least 20MP resolution)
fitted on 3-axis gimbal (Pitch, roll, yaw) to be used for stable and clear data acquisition quality.
The UAS (Drone) should be able to capture the video & imagery of the bottom of bridge. Data
acquisition shall be done in good Photographic Conditions and Ground must be free of fog,
haze, dust, "and smoke. Also Data to be collected in good light conditions to ensure the
Image & Video are Clear and sharp in detail. Drone will be flown as per the flight plan and
images acquired for the complete bridge for 3D photogrammetric model. This may require
multiple passes and may be on automatic flight mode, unless there are infringements. Pilot
shall collect the data with in possible line of sight of the drone without colliding with the bridge
structure.
10.1.5.6 High Resolution Video Data with GPS – 4K Video shall be captured along with
the GPS information for the bridge covering Top, Bottom, Left, Right side within the 5m from
the bridge structure to achieve the high level of clarity and detailing.
10.1.5.7 High Resolution Geotagged Imagery for Orthophoto- Survey grade UAS
(Drone) to be utilized to capture precisely geotagged low altitude Nadir aerial images. These
images shall be captured from flight height of about 20-60m, as per requirement.
10.1.5.8 High Resolution Nadir & Oblique Geotagged Imagery for 3D reality Model-
Oblique & Nadir photography to be done as per best practices (for best result) to meet the
objective. Very low altitude flight height of about 20-60 M, as per requirement should be used
for clear details captue.
10.1.5.9 High Resolution Geotagged Imagery for Inspection – Close up/zoomed
stable images shall be taken for each part of bridge to gather detailed information of
structural and non-structural components. Depending on clearances this is more likely to
be manual flight, but efforts should be made to standardize the flight plans for future
inspections. Some CAPIs may need flight paths that require traffic or power regulations

9
 40
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

and care need to be taken for those locations.

10.1.5.10 The images can be taken every 2 to 4 seconds (or as required for getting the
necessary overlap), while drone follows the way points or circles the point of interest at a
speed of 3 to 5 meter per second. Horizontal and vertical overlap between subsequent
images should be at least 60%.
10.1.5.11 Subsequently, a preliminary general assessment of the images captured will be
undertaken so that the gaps may be filled and re-plan of the flight is avoided.
10.1.5.12 The broad requirements of UAV and its capturing process shall ensure following:
a) Security clearance: Organization or individual must have the security clearance
for drone operations from DGCA
b) Qualified Drone Pilot: Drone pilot shall have the training certificate from DGCA
approved recognized FTO (Flying Training Organization) as per current rules.
c) The Organization shall have the Unique Authorization Number issued by
DGCA as authorized Owner & Operator of UAS (Drone).
d) UAV must be able to photograph from close enough distance to obtain a right
resolution, resolution of 1mm/pixel is shown to obtain detail images that are
comparable with close-up photos. For accurate crack measurement, this
resolution needs to be even better.
e) The ability to direct cameras upward and the ability to fly without a GPS signal.
f) Location of the UAV’s, and thus its photos relative to the object should be clear
to obtain better knowledge on the location of the photos as some elements of
bridges are much alike.
g) Standardization of the mission planning and data analysis processes are
needed
h) Operator should be able to steer the camera to capture the correct
images/data.
i) From images alone it is hard to observe the difference between different type
of cracks, for example, a spider web and a crack. Sensor data should be able
to distinguish the difference.
j) Lot of data is acquired during flight, this data should be analyzed in an efficient
way.
k) Automatic image processing is necessary; currently photos are viewed piece
by piece which takes a lot of man-hours and is therefore costly and time
consuming.
l) Fail-Safe mechanism to control the UAV in case of signal loss/ battery
discharge and should be able to land safely.
m) GPS for horizontal and vertical position fixing & Autonomous & manual flying
n) Autonomous Flight Termination System or Return to Home (RH) option.

10.1.6 Drone Data Processing

10.1.6.1 Video Data Processing: The videos should be processed to prepare the

10
 41
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

seamless video output and to make the output more informative, important annotations
should be super imposed on the output. Proper recording of actual state of affairs shall
be done where ever possible to find defects that may exist, but also should help in
anticipating problems and recognizing these areas. All the videos shall have the
Geotagging information along.
10.1.6.2 Imagery Data Photogrammetry Processing: Down looking and Oblique
looking imagery captured from UAS (drone) to be processed using stereo
photogrammetric software by the process of Aero- triangulation, developing dense point
cloud of surface, developing TIN model, developing high resolution, scale corrected,
distortion free Ortho photo.
10.1.6.3 Imagery Data 3D Reality Model Processing: Down looking and Oblique
looking imagery captured from UAS (drone) to be processed using drone
photogrammetric software by the process of Aero- triangulation (align), developing dense
point cloud of surface, developing TIN model, building texture developing high resolution,
3D Model.
10.1.6.4 High Resolution Geotagged Imagery for Inspection: Images of CAPIs shall
be collected, tagged and renamed suitably. These images shall also be linked to the 3D
model to show their location in the overall bridge structure, for better appreciation. The
images can also be processed for better clarity and contrast of the feature that is required
to be analyzed.

10.1.6.5 Web based 4D Bridge Information Modelling System:

CRIS shall develop/source and host the web-browser based Application in it’s own data
centre integrating the 3D Bridge model and drone visual data with BMS so that the visual
data captured by drone and other bridge inspections entered in BMS can be seamlessly
visualized by Railways users. Till this is done CRIS/Zonal Railways will suitably hire
services for web browser based Application as under.
(i) Web browser based Application shall integrate the 3D model of the Bridge and
visual data captured using drone and help Railway to visualize the 3D Model,
captured drone data and reports.
(ii) Tier-III level Data centre based cloud application to be used for 4D Bridge
Information Modelling System having suitable visualization of the 3D Bridge
Model to appreciate the geometrical details for any part of the bridge by railway
engineers with Pan, Zoom in, Zoom Out, Pan, Tilt, Rotate, functions. Each
component of bridge 3D model shall be selectable and compatible for query.
The Map integration shall also be available to visualize Bridge surroundings
and also the Upstream and downstream topographical details & river course,
etc.
(iii) The images and videos captured using drone shall be hosted minimum high
definition resolution on the cloud data center and shall be 2-way synchronized
with the 3D BrIM Model. A user friendly GeoVideo Player and advance Image
viewer shall have the Video controls such as, zoom, pan, play, pause,
backward, forward, speed control & video enhancement. Also 3D model click
based search shall be made available for users for faster accessing
information and asset visualization. The facility of downloading data from
centralized GeoVideo server in the local system shall be made available.

11
 42
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

(iv) Unlimited role based access from anywhere over internet browser for
Monitoring Reports alerts, Administration etc. Data storage and 24x7 tier-III
hosted data centre management shall be done. Unlimited Department Access
shall be available.
(v) Application Platform Framework (APF) shall comprise of following key
modules:
a) Server & Client
b) User Management
c) Upload Module
d) Video Data Processing Module -
• Video serving using adaptive bitrate, Transcoding & Processing of video
data to create compatibility for sync functionality
e) Database
• Project, Geo-Video, BrIM Model, Geo-Images details and geo-meta data
information, User & Inspection Annotation
f) Application Server
• User Management module
• GeoVideo Management module
• Geo Images Management Module
• BrIM / MAP Module
• Sync Module
g) HTTP Server
• SSL Implementation: - Support for HTTPS
• Encryption: - Password should be stored in encrypted HASH
• Domain Mapping
h) User Interface

(vi) Features List - Features required for the Web 4D Bridge Information Modelling
application
a) BrIM Model visualization in WebGL with Pan, Zoom in, Zoom Out, Tilt Rotate,
functions
b) BrIM Model shall be available along with MAP base layer
c) Selectable Individual components of the BrIM Model
d) Video Location synchronization with the map in the bi-directional format.
• On clicks at timeline of video / Images, Sync with relative position on the 3D
BrIM

12
 43
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

• On click on a location on the 3D BrIM, Sync with relative position on the

video / Images.
e) Video \ Images Zoom
f) Video \ Image Pan
g) Video Speed Control from 0.5 X to 4 X
h) Data should be displayed & synchronized (Latitude, Longitude, Height,
Distance Travelled by Drone, Speed)
i) Video Enhancement Filters (Brightness, Contrast, Grayscale, Hue, Saturate,
Sepia)
j) Video download function in same quality as it has been uploaded
k) Video should be converted to Mpeg-Dash format to transmit in adaptive bitrate
and which should be compatible with portal’s video player as well.
l) Option to viewing various resolutions of video
m) Portal should be Single page application (SPA)
n) Video player should be annotation compatible which can be re-visited later.
o) Annotation of inspection comments
p) Annotation can be searched
q) Search and move to location in GeoVideo / Images based on loaded KML
data
r) Video and map should be have adjustable containers, which can increase and
decrease width of the both map and the video.

10.1.7 Stage 5: Analysis and Reporting - To complete the Damage Identification.

10.1.7.1 Additionally, an experienced bridge engineer shall examine the images of CAPIs
from various angles and making use of software tools and mark potential failures, areas of
concern or any abnormality. A rating system may be derived to denote the severity and the
engineer shall allot a rating to every CAPI. The results shall then be shown against the
historical data in the form of tables, charts and graphs, as appropriate and compiled in the
form of a report. Further, as the database builds up for a particular bridge patterns of a
location can be recognized and any change can be flagged. This will be particularly
important, for example, in case of crack propagations and loose fittings.

10.1.8 Integration with Bridge Management System (BMS)

Integration of 4D Bridge Information Modelling System shall be done with Railways
Bridge Management Systems (BMS). Existing user of BMS shall be able to visualize the
drone visual inspection reports, drone video, high resolution ortho imagery, 3D models &
Images of CAPI’s 24x7 by clicking on a link as per the requirement of Indian Railways.

10.2 Features of Video and photography output

10.2.1 Aerial videography and photography is used to capture video using the video
camera fitted on (UAS) Unmanned aerial system/drone as live video in downward, upward

13
 44
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

and oblique looking mode at low altitude and near to the structure so as to access
defect/dislocation in critical members of bridges. Output of this recording is a Geotagged
video file which can be viewed on video analyzer. Subsequently annotation can be put on
the video in post processing. The zoom lens provides quality detail without having to
position the UAV too close to the bridge.
10.2.3 Aerial photography is used for taking high resolution still pictures of the important
parts of the bridge. These photos/videos can be zoomed for getting the closer view of the
visual inspection.
10.2.4 The UAV system should have live video/picture available at control station (FPV-
First Person Video) to capture the relevant details precisely with right context. Data
acquisition shall be done in good Photographic Conditions and location must be free of fog,
haze, dust, and smoke. Data to be collected in good light conditions to ensure that images
and videos are clear and sharp.

10.3 Drone survey accuracy

The accurate Orthophoto map, DEM or 3D model very often looks identical to an
inaccurate one. In presence of good GPS conditions, stable flight and decent weather
conditions, in addition to a regular terrain with many characteristic points (that can be used
to match images) as well as a proper image overlap, the model should be pretty accurate,
but the only way to determine that is to calculate an error study similar to the one
mentioned above.
A good practice is to have and measure several check points in the field, besides
the Ground Control Points. The check points will enable calculating the accuracy of the
model using regular surveying calculation methods.

10.4 Factors affecting drone survey accuracy

10.4.1 The absolute accuracy of survey cannot be higher than the GCPs’ accuracy.
Therefore, it is important to make sure the points are measured with an accuracy higher
than the pixel size (e.g. if pixel size is 1 cm, the GCPs should be optimally measured with
sub-centimeter accuracy).

Measure of Relative accuracy

10.4.2 The absolute accuracy will also significantly depend on the relative accuracy of
the model. When hundreds or thousands of images are stitched together taken with a
small (and most often non-metric) drone camera, it is almost impossible to have each pixel
on the map located exactly where it should be.

14
 45
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

10.4.3 Additionally, there are a lot of factors such the terrain profile, drone hardware
choice, image overlap, weather conditions, stability and the speed of the flight, and GPS
conditions etc. that will influence the overall quality and accuracy of your survey.

11.0 Deliverables
11.1 2D CAD Drawing of the GAD in Autocad DWG Format (if not available).
11.2 Bridge Information Model in RVT / OBJ / Open IFC format in the classes defined.
11.3 4K quality Videos with Geotagged files & Photographs.
11.3.1 Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to
various media such as a geotagged photograph or video, websites, SMS messages, QR
Code or RSS feeds and is a form of Geospatial meta data. This data usually consists of
latitude and longitude coordinates, though they can also include altitude, bearing, distance,
accuracy data, place names, time stamp, etc.
11.3.2 Geotagging can help users find a wide variety of location-specific information from
a device. For instance, someone can find images taken near a given location by entering
latitude and longitude coordinates into a suitable image search engine. Geotagging-
enabled information services can also potentially be used to find location-based news,
websites, or other resources. Geotagging can tell users the location of the content of a
given picture or other media or the point of view, and conversely on some media platforms
show media relevant to a given location.
11.3.3 Two main options can be used to geotag photos: capturing GPS information at the
time the photo is taken or "attaching" geo coordinates to the photograph after the picture is
taken. In order to capture GPS data at the time the photograph is captured, the user must
have a camera with built in GPS or a standalone GPS along with a digital camera.
11.3.4 Forward and backward Video Capture with a perpendicular or oblique angle
suitable to capture details from below of the Bottom Boom to capture the Bottom Girders &
Cross Girders along with joints in most of the inaccessible locations in line of sight of the
drone. Videography should be focused on entire girders/bottom boom.
11.3.5 Left & Right Side Videography / Photography should be sufficiently close to
visualize any defect or crack looking approximate 90 degree to the
side face of the bridge structure including Vertical Chord, Diagonal Chord, Top Chord.
Videography/ photography should have high resolution zooming provision at intermittent
suspicious portion of the member to clearly observe the cracks and dislocation.
11.3.6 Pier Video/Stitched Photographs should be taken all around and should be
sufficiently close for inspecting the cracks. It should also have high resolution zooming
provision at intermittent suspicious portion.
11.3.7 Focus area on the Joints of the Structures for Corrosion, Loose joints, developing
cracks with high resolution zooming provision at intermittent suspicious portion.
11.3.8 The videos captured from the drone stitched together and annotation is being
done on the various structures such as pier number, bearings, bottom chord, top chord,
diagonal chord, vertical chord, joints, bottom trough, stringer, drone directions, area of
concern, etc.

15
 46
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

11.4 Scaled and Geo positioned Orthophoto Tiles in geotiff format of 2 cm resolution of
area 100m upstream, downstream and surrounding the bridges.
11.4.1 An orthophoto is an aerial photograph or satellite imagery geometrically
corrected (orthorectified) such that the scale is uniform: the photo or image follows a
given map projection. Unlike an uncorrected aerial photograph, an orthophoto can be used
to measure true distances, having been adjusted for topographic relief, lens distortion,
and camera tilt. Ortho photographs are commonly used in geographic information systems
(GIS) as a "map accurate" background image. A digital elevation model (DEM) is required
to create an accurate orthophoto as distortions in the image due to the varying distance
between the camera/sensor and different points on the ground need to be corrected.
11.5 Interactive 3 D model of the bridge in Obj/3mx/fbx format both in soft and hard copy
11.5.1 3D ‘reality’ models are fully interactive and allow the user to zoom, pan and fly
around the model, providing a unique perspective on the surveyed area of interest. The
models help to minimize the need for expensive site visits and reduce safety risks on site
because multiple users can view different aspects of the bridge from safe locations.
11.6 Bridge Visual Inspection Report, shall cover the physical conditions of bridge as
visually noticed in drone data from top, bottom, left and right side of bridge including
bearings, Piers, Chord, flange, Boom, rivets, Girders, abutments etc. as per nomenclature
used by Indian railways in BMS.
a) The detailed physical condition shall be element wise.
b) The report shall cover the condition of bank areas.
c) The comments shall cover the detailed physical conditions of steel/concrete
structural members, as visually noticed. The identification of members like top
boom, bottom boom, verticals, laterals and cross members to be done.
d) The reported defects shall be identifiable through indexed photographs taken from
the UAS (Drone).
e) The masonry or concrete supports from bed block downwards for piers till water
level are to be captured from all round side and reported upon. Any unusual
structural defect is to be commented.
f) The abutment protection like pitching, retaining walls are to be captured by video
and shall be commented in report.
g) The river guidance and protection works like guide bunds or spurs may be
captured at discretion of Railway.
h) The conclusions shall comment on general health of bridge and bring out important
conclusions for appreciation of senior authorities.
11.7 3D Model, drone data & linked drone inspection reports should be hosted on
working agency’s Web 4D-Bridge Information Modelling System. Secured Login Access of
the application to the railway. This should also be integrated with IR’s web enabled IT
Application- Bridge Management System (BMS).

16
 47
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Annexure-I
Typical Compliance Checklist
Compliance: Apart from being in accordance with above guidelines, compliance must be
confirmed in regard to following.

COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Provide details
and write up on
methodology of
Comp each proposed
Reference liance item with makes /
SN Item Para of this model number Remarks
Guideline (Yes / etc. Add
No) Annexures /
brochures for
details and
proposed items

9.2 Certificate from

DGCA NPNT Complaint
1. S.No.1 in OEM shall be
Drone
table. attached

Certificate Issued
2. DGCA Issued UAN No 10.1.5.12(C) from DGCA Shall
be Submitted

Security clearance:
Organization or
individual must have the Document shall be
3. 10.1.5.12(a)
security clearance for submit
drone operations from
DGCA

Qualified Drone Pilot:

Drone pilot shall have
the training certificate
Certificate shall be
4. from DGCA approved 10.1.5.12(b)
submitted
recognized FTO (Flying
training Organization) as
per current rules

9.2, Ownership
Certificate with
5. Drone LiDAR Sensor S.No. 24(e) Calibration
in table Certificate

DGPS (Deferential Ownership

Global Positioning Certificate with
6. 10.1.5.3
System) for higher Calibration
positional accuracy Certificate

17
 48
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Provide details
and write up on
methodology of
Comp each proposed
Reference liance item with makes /
SN Item Para of this model number Remarks
Guideline (Yes / etc. Add
No) Annexures /
brochures for
details and
proposed items

The Web 4D Bridge

Information Modelling
System should be
hosted and should be
operational at a
minimum of Tier III level
data centre in
India. The vendor at its Provide OEMs Tier
own cost shall do this III Data Centre
hosting and railways Certificate.
7. 10.1.6.5
should have web Architecture details
browser interface based and write up on
access to the Methodology.
application. There
should not be any
requirement of extra IT
hardware, software or
client license on user
workstations or server at
Railways end.

Features required for Provide

the Web 4D Bridge undertaking,
8. 10.1.6.5(vii)
Information Modelling Brochure,
application Documents,

Provide
Central Server
undertaking and
Integration with 10.1.6.5, detailed
9. Railways BMS in
10.1.8 methodology of
desired integration
OEMs Central
formats
Server working

18
 49
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Annexure-II

Typical Schedule of Quantities

(Railway/Division to decide on items and quantities as per requirement)

Item Item Description Qty Unit Period Rate Amount

GAD file development in AutoCAD

2D based on the available approved
1
GAD files in PDF to be provided by
Railways (IF APPLICABLE)

Bridge for the length Upto 100 m Per One

1.1 1
length Bridge Time

Per
Bridge One
1.2 Bridge for the length beyond 100 m
Per Time
Meter

3D Model of the Bridge

Detailed and scaled 3D model shall be

developed by referring the available
GAD (General arrangement drawings)
with railways in AutoCAD. These 3D
Models shall be developed in advance
2 3D modelling software. The Models
shall be developed so that each
element which is required for the
inspection can be individually selected,
rendered and connected with the drone
inspection data and Following Part of
the Bridge Shall be modelled and shall
be delivered in .rvt, .gltf format

Steel Girder Bridges (Plate Girder

and Open Web Girder) and
Composite Bridges

Important Structures such as

Abutments, Piers, Bed Blocks,
Bearings & vicinity, Lateral Bracing,
Sleeper Seats, Flooring arrangement
connections with chords, cross girders,
2.1
Gusset connection lateral bracing to
top boom, Bridge Deck, Protection
Works shall be modeled

Bridge for the length Upto 100 m Per One

1
length Bridge Time

One
Bridge for the length beyond 100 m Meter
Time

19
 50
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Item Item Description Qty Unit Period Rate Amount

Concrete Girder Bridges

Important Structures such as

Protection Works, Abutments, Piers,
Bed Block, Bearings & vicinity,
Anchorage Zone, Deck Slab, Top and
bottom flange of l-girder, Bottom slab
in box girder, Webs, Diaphragms,
Junction of slab and web, Junction of
2.2 precast and in situ cast elements,
Segmental Joints, Expansion Joints
shall be modelled

Bridge for the length Upto 100 m Per One

1
length Bridge Time

One
Bridge for the length beyond 100 m Meter
Time

Drone Data Capturing as per the

specification and guidelines
including capturing high resolution
3 video & images by covering the bridge
structures and CAPIs fix rate including
mobilization, e-mobilization, site
expansion, administration, coordination

Data Capturing for drone based visual Per One

3.1 1
inspection of upto 100 m length bridge Bridge Time

Data Capturing for the drone visual

One
3.2 inspection of the bridge for the length Meter
Time
beyond 100 m

Bridge accessibility arrangement by

boat etc. for appropriate and detailed
span wise bridge structure data Per One
4 collection as per guideline. 1
Bridge Time
(Only for bridges where required and
Railways cannot provide this)

Drone Data Processing as per the

specification and guidelines
including Video Data Processing,
5 Imagery Data Photogrammetry
Processing, Imagery Data 3D Reality
Model Processing, High Resolution
Geotagged Imagery for Inspection

Data Processing of the Bridge Upto Per One

5.1 1
100 m length Bridge Time

20
 51
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Item Item Description Qty Unit Period Rate Amount

Data Processing of the bridge for the One

5.2 Meter
length beyond 100 m Time

Inspection Report Preparation-

Bridge Inspection engineer shall
examine the images of CAPIs from
various angles and making use of
software tools and mark areas of
concern or any abnormality. A rating
6 system may be derived to denote the
severity and the engineer shall allot a
rating to every CAPI. The results shall
then be shown against the historical
data (if available) in the form of tables,
charts and graphs, as appropriate and
compiled in the form of a report.

The drone based visual inspection,

Per One
6.1 Analysis & Report Preparation of 1
Bridge Time
Bridge upto 100 m length

The drone based visual inspection,

One
6.2 Analysis & Report Preparation for the Meter
Time
length beyond 100 m

Annual Subscription and Remote

Support of Tier-III level Data centre
based cloud application for 4D Bridge
Information Modelling System having
suitable visualisation of the 3D Bridge
Model along with Map to appreciate
the geometrical details for any part of
the bridge by railway engineers. The
3D model 2-way synchronised with the
available drone based bridge
inspection data. A user friendly
GeoVideo Player and advance Image
viewer shall have the Video controls
7 such as, zoom, pan, play, pause,
backward, forward, speed control &
video enhancement, shall be available.
Also 3D model click based search shall
be made available for users for faster
accessing information and asset
visualisation. The facility of
downloading data from centralised
GeoVideo server in the local system
shall be made available. Unlimited role
based access from anywhere over
internet browser for monitoring Reports
alerts, Administration etc. Data storage
and 24x7 Tier-III hosted data centre
management and unlimited

21
 52
588113/2021/O/o ED/BnS/RDSO

Item Item Description Qty Unit Period Rate Amount

Department Access Customization and
secured Integration with Railways
Bridge Management Systems (BMS)
as per requirements of Indian
Railways.
(Note:- Only till CRIS doesn’t
develop/source the Application and
hosts in its own data centre)

The drone based visual inspection data

Per
7.1 visualization, hosting, linking, sharing 1 LS
Bridge
of Bridge upto 100 m length

The drone based visual inspection data

Per
7.2 visualization, hosting, linking, sharing LS
Bridge
for the Bridge length beyond 100 m

8.0 GRAND TOTAL

22