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We are all very familiar with drones for taking videos, delivering packages, checking traffic conditions, and producing aerial images of real estate. Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are particularly useful in construction, from project inception to project closeout and through the sale of a property. These technology tools are becoming an integral part of the construction industry. Drones offer numerous benefits thanks to their aerial optics and data-collection capabilities.
Being able to observe construction from different vantage points is transforming the field in so many ways. Drones save time and manpower. They also make the fields of design and construction more inclusive and accessible by enabling those with special needs to participate remotely in the project through the drone's “eyes.”
In this article, we discuss who uses drones in construction, the role of drones in construction, and the benefits of drone technology for general contractors.
What Trades Use Drones in Construction?
Drones are being used by engineers, designers, project managers, building inspectors, and security personnel. Let’s explore how each of these key players utilizes drone technology.
Land Surveyors are using drones to perform environmental assessments. They can assist with depicting property boundaries and topographic elevations. This helps produce a more detailed property survey by a civil engineer.
Architects find drones extremely helpful for documenting a building's existing conditions from all vantage points to assist in the design process. Drone surveys can be integrated with BIM software to help architects monitor construction progress and prepare accurate as-builts. Architects are better able to conduct construction observation inspections when higher elevations are not physically accessible.
Project Managers find drones particularly useful for keeping a close eye on all aspects of construction. Contractors can view the entire project on any given day throughout the building process. This is an incredible time saver and offers a comprehensive view of the project and daily construction activities.
Building Inspectors have embraced drone technology as an integral part of their municipal duties. Some of the most advanced drone systems are used by governments to obtain close-up, clear images of a work site. Inspectors and other officials can conduct thorough inspections of a project while also verifying that OSHA job-site safety practices are being implemented.
Security Personnel rely on drones and other camera systems to monitor job sites. They can do this from a secure location without having to put boots on the ground. With advanced technology, security companies have a better view of both the inside and outside of a construction project site.
How Drones are Utilized on Construction Projects
With both real-time and stored recording capabilities, drones can improve project efficiency, optimize workflow, and save money. Here are the most common drone roles in construction projects.
Aerial Site Surveying and Mapping
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and GPS navigation can capture detailed site images and topographic information. With this data and imagery, engineers are able to produce accurate digital elevation models (DEM), 2D orthomosaic maps, and 3D models. This can be achieved in a matter of hours or even minutes, compared to the days it takes to manually survey a site at ground level.
Progress Monitoring and Data Collection
With routine drone flyovers, project managers can track construction project progress. The drones provide real-time aerial footage, integrated with Building Information Modeling, that PMs can use to monitor a project and stay on top of practices, delays, and deviations from plans. This tool helps keep all parties informed, enabling quick decision-making.
Security Surveillance
Drone security is gaining popularity on construction sites for its more comprehensive surveillance. While stationary cameras are great for specific areas, such as where materials containers are stored, drones offer a broader view by sweeping the entire perimeter. With thermal sensors, drones detect body heat in total darkness. Equipped with speakers and lights, security drones can deter active threats. Using drones requires less on-site personnel and keeps security patrols out of harm’s way.
Safety Inspections
Using drones during construction operations can prevent worksite accidents and identify unsafe practices. Drones are used to inspect rooftops, scaffolds, and hard-to-access areas. Using a drone for these inspections can help you identify structural weaknesses, excessive heat, and leaks. A drone safety audit can also be used to monitor workers’ compliance with OSHA regulations. Using drones is great for protecting your crew from potentially dangerous situations.
Environmental Impact Monitoring
In today’s eco-conscious culture, drones are a useful tool for assessing environmental impact during construction. This technology can detect water pollution, soil erosion, and noise pollution using sensors. This helps you better align with your sustainability goals and ensures your operations comply with environmental regulations.
Materials and Tools Delivery
Both light and heavy-lift drones are useful for delivering tools and materials to remote or elevated places. For instance, if you have secured your hardware product but the installer left it on the truck at another location, a drone can deliver it to the right place expeditiously. Heavy-lift drones can lift up to 1,000 pounds, making them a better option than a mechanical lift for hard-to-reach areas.
Benefits of Drone Technology in Construction
The role of drones in construction is increasing and has become a game-changer for several reasons. Let’s explore some of the most common benefits of using drones on your projects.
Cost Effectiveness: Drones reduce labor and time, which saves you money. They are particularly excellent tools for surveyors to save time. Drones also reduce the need for security personnel. Accurate data collection is performed promptly, without the need for extensive on-site inspections. By identifying safety issues, drones can help to prevent accidents that lead to costly medical bills and crew downtime.
Data Accuracy: Advanced sensor technology provides precise measurements that can reduce errors in both the design phase and the field during construction.
Environmental Sustainability: Drones are particularly useful for assessing a project’s environmental impact. This technology helps you monitor material waste, environmental pollution, and emissions.
Improved Safety: Using drones to detect job-site hazards and unsafe practices is essential to the health and well-being of all parties. Additionally, drones can access difficult-to-reach or confined spaces, reducing the risk of worker injury.
Time Efficiency: The speed at which drones can complete certain tasks is one of the best advantages of using them. Drones enable you to keep a project moving at a faster pace to meet project completion deadlines.
In Summary
The role of drones in construction is transformative for the industry. Architects and engineers use them for site and building surveys at project inception. Contractors, inspectors, and security teams use drones throughout construction to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and save money. Precision data collection is essential to workflow, and drones are among the best ways to ensure accuracy. If you aren’t already using drone technology on your construction projects, it is worth investigating further.
When you are preparing your next construction project bid, be sure to reach out to Arcadia Sash and Door Inc. for project estimate details. Our company offers superior craftsmanship and quality products to ensure the best project outcome. We are a family-owned business in the Los Angeles County area with decades of experience providing the highest-quality products the industry has to offer. Contractors who partner with us experience the confidence that comes with excellent craftsmanship across every project. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discover more.
