Use of rpas (drones) for masonry arch bridges inspection: application on grajal bridge

The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), better known as drones, has spread with multiple and very diverse applications in recent years. It includes architectural heritage elements inspections, singular constructions inspections and old structures inspections. This article is based on a detailed inspection over a medieval bridge, which is located next to another 19th century bridge that currently supports road traffic. This inspection had a purely experimental purpose. With its completion and with the information obtained, we will be able to have enough information to assess whether the aircraft can serve as a quality tool for carrying out these works, considering that these works are currently carried out by qualified personnel, requiring transportation and installation of cumbersome auxiliary means and a high economic and time investment, especially in the careful planning of the works. Similarly, there is an emphasis on safety and risk reduction: safety and risk reduction towards the monument to be inspected, and risk reduction for the safety and health of the workers who inspect the monument.