Measurement of cracks in cement silos with unmanned aerial vehicle and statistical analysis

Authors

Keywords:

VANT, concreto de silo reforçado, fissuras, resina epóxi

Abstract

Reinforced concrete silos, the main structures for bulk cement storage, are frequently affected by pathological manifestations, mainly cracks caused by design and/or execution flaws. Silo inspection is a recurring concern due to the complexity of the procedure, which involves significant height, difficult access, and adverse exposure conditions. Traditional crack measurement methods are insufficient due to access difficulties, safety risks, lack of precision, and inconsistent results. This study proposes a method for detection, measurement, and quantification of cracks in reinforced concrete silos, including the estimation of epoxy resin consumption for repairs, resulting from structural design flaws in cement storage silos. The research uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), digital photogrammetry, and statistical analysis with the Student's T distribution. The methodology included a systematic review and an experimental study, resulting in a protocol for crack inspection and measurement. The results indicated that the method with UAVs is more effective in detecting cracks, providing guidelines for inspection, segmentation into microregions, and calculation of the confidence interval for crack density.

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Author Biographies

diogo Cavalcanti Oliveira, UNIVERSIDADE DE PERNAMBUCO

Graduated in Civil Engineering from the University of Pernambuco (2014). Has experience in the area of ​​Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on reinforced and prestressed concrete structures, project management and structural recovery. Postgraduate in Concrete Structures and Foundations, INBEC, and MBA in Project Management from FGV. Certified by PTI - Unboded PT.

Alberto Casado Lordsleem Junior, UNIVERSIDADE DE PERNAMBUCO

Degree in Civil Engineering from UFPE (1994); Master's (1997), Doctorate (2002) and Post-Doctorate (2010) in Civil and Urban Construction Engineering from the USP Polytechnic School; Professorship from the University of Pernambuco (2012). Postgraduate, Research and Extension Manager at the UPE Polytechnic School (2007-2010). Is currently an Associate Professor; Extension and Culture Sector Coordinator; Permanent Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Civil Engineering (PEC), Professor of specialization courses and coordinator of the MBA in Technology and Management of Building Construction at the Polytechnic School of the University of Pernambuco. Coordinator of POLITECH - Teaching, Research and Extension Group in Building Construction Technology and Management. Technical advisor to companies and entities in the civil construction sector. Has experience in the area of ​​Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on Construction Management, Performance and Technological Innovation, working mainly on the following topics: civil construction, technological innovations, constructive rationalization, performance, design for production, vertical fences, construction management systems, productivity and recovery from pathologies.

Laura Nogueira Cordeiro, UNIVERSIDADE DE PERNAMBUCO

Degree in Civil Engineering from Centro Universitário Boa Viagem (2021) and MBA in Project Management from USP Esalq (2023). Is currently a Supply Coordinator at Probeton Engenharia. Has 5 years of experience in the area of ​​Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on the supply sector and planning renovations and construction of industrial works. Is interested in research in Technological Innovation projects in civil construction, Structural Reforms, Lean Construction and others.

Emanoel Silva de Amorim, UNIVERSIDADE DE PERNAMBUCO

Master in Civil Engineering (Polytechnic School of the University of Pernambuco - POLI, 2024). Specialization in: Construction and Project Management; Architecture and Heritage; Urban Mobility and Transport; and MBA in Project Management (PMI). Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning (ESUDA, 2014). Landscape Architect at the Urban Maintenance and Cleaning Authority of Recife (Emlurb, 2024). General Director of Amorim Arquitetura (2019-2024). Has been working in the coordination of multidisciplinary teams managing the preparation and licensing of projects, inspection and supervision of works, maintenance and operation of projects for residential, commercial, religious, institutional use, as well as urban infrastructure. Experience in teaching extension courses, improvement courses, undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Thais Cohen de Almeida Costa, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Has a degree in Electrical Engineering (2022) from UNIFBV, a Specialization in Project Management (2023) from PUC Minas and is currently studying for a Master's degree in Energy Systems Engineering from UFRPE. Previously, was studying a Bachelor of Science and Technology at UFRN, where had the opportunity to participate in the Extension Project "Movimento Maker" aimed at embedded systems projects with Arduino and was a monitor for the discipline "Science, Technology and Society". Worked in the Electrical Maintenance area for two and a half years, starting as an intern at Celpe-Neoenergia Pernambuco (2020-2021) and in the industry as an Industrial Trainee at Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional-CSN Cimentos (2021-2022). Is currently a Product Analyst in the Propulsion System Validation area in the automotive industry at Stellantis (Fiat Group, Jeep, etc.).

Bruno Cavalcanti Oliveira, UNIVERSIDADE DE PERNAMBUCO

Graduated in Administration from the University of Pernambuco (2006). Experience in Administration, with emphasis on Project Management and Marketing.

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Published

2025-04-23

How to Cite

OLIVEIRA, Diogo Cavalcanti; LORDSLEEM JUNIOR, Alberto Casado; CORDEIRO, Laura Nogueira; AMORIM, Emanoel Silva de; COSTA, Thais Cohen de Almeida; OLIVEIRA, Bruno Cavalcanti. Measurement of cracks in cement silos with unmanned aerial vehicle and statistical analysis. Ambiente Construído, [S. l.], v. 25, 2025. Disponível em: https://seer.ufrgs.br/index.php/ambienteconstruido/article/view/141907. Acesso em: 9 aug. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 25 (2025): Edições Especiais & Artigos

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2025 Ambiente Construído

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