Enhancing Underwater Survey Accuracy with Advanced Technology
Hydro-Tech, a prominent name in hydrographic survey technology, has released a complete study focused on the precision of multi-beam echosounders in underwater topographic assessments.
The report, titled “Enhancing Bridge Pier Scouring Survey accuracy with USV-Mounted Multibeam Echosounders,” details how an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) equipped with the Hydro-Tech MS400U multi-beam echosounder conducted dynamic measurements to gather high-resolution 3D underwater data.
This initiative aimed to evaluate the structural integrity of the Minjiang Bridge, situated in a challenging geographical area characterized by steep topography and turbulent water currents.
According to Hydro-Tech, underwater environments with important tidal fluctuations, swift water velocities, and severe sedimentation or scouring can jeopardize the stability of submerged structures.
the case study by Hydro-Tech encompasses the following key aspects:
- Project Strategy
- Innovative Design
- Operational Execution
- Data Processing
- Analytical Insights
Overview of the MS400U
The Hydro-Tech MS400U integrates cutting-edge underwater technology with surface-level operational components. The Sonar Interface Module on the vessel connects seamlessly with the MS400U’s underwater transducer, which features both receiving and transmitting arrays, as well as the Surf Master’s IMU sensor and the SVS1500 sound velocity sensor.
This surface unit is equipped with a built-in GNSS module that interfaces with GNSS antennas, alongside a primary control computer that manages sonar display, navigation, and data acquisition software essential for sonar operations.
Additionally, the MS400U includes auxiliary survey sensors such as a sound velocity sensor, IMU, and GNSS for enhanced data collection.
Conducting Underwater Topographic Surveys
Surveyors operated from the shore, overseeing the USV’s functions and monitoring the status of the equipment during the underwater operations.
The MS400U executed a 3D underwater sounding survey with a 143° swath width,directly capturing the underwater landscape and the 3D configuration of the submerged pile foundation,while documenting any alterations in the underwater terrain within the survey zone.
Findings and Implications
Utilizing Hypack software, Hydro-Tech generated point cloud data representing the underwater pile foundations and terrain, subsequently constructing a 3D model from this data using a Triangulated irregular Network (TIN) approach.
Hydro-Tech asserts that the MS400U effectively measured the scouring extent around the underwater pile foundation, highlighting that the use of USVs substantially mitigates the challenges associated with conventional bridge pier scouring surveys that rely on RTK GNSS receivers, thereby reducing risks for survey personnel.
For further insights into the integration of USV multi-beam echosounders, visit Hydro-tech’s official website to read the complete article.
