Projects don’t always go exactly as planned.
Integrating drone technology into the construction workflow is bringing about a paradigm shift. Using drones in construction can help reduce uncertainties and improve project efficiency.
Time to take a closer look at drone services for construction and the benefits of this technology.
Analyzing the Construction Site
Planning a large construction project involves surveying the land, including topographic mapping. Not an easy task on difficult terrain. Drones are making this time-consuming task easier and delivering more accuracy than human hands.
Imagine this. Instead of a large team with heavy equipment surveying a site – you have a two-man construction drone photography team that can get the job done without even setting foot on the site.
Equipped with high-resolution 360-degree cameras and LiDAR scanners, drones can create 3D models and high-resolution digitized maps of a site with incredible precision. Even the height and density of the existing vegetation on the site can be measured through this technology. The data can be used for visualization and measurement.
Planning and Preparation
In the pre-planning stage, it is important to understand the land to ensure that each stage of the work can be meticulously planned.
The in-depth visual data from the drones are a big help in analyzing the layout, elevation, drainage spots, and other features of the land. More so as the design of commercial constructions keeps evolving.
The data collected by a drone can also be compiled faster, resulting in streamlining of the entire process. Volumetric analysis by using this data helps construction companies to determine the material quantity with better accuracy. You can easily use this data for communication and to keep a large team on the same page.
Moreover, drones capture real-time data that helps project managers, and engineers to track progress and monitor material utilization. Even better, AI-based systems can use the data to generate project progress reports and alerts.
On-site Safety and Risk Mitigation
As construction progresses, some site areas can be potentially dangerous, or difficult to reach for workers. Construction drones can mitigate such risks by conducting inspections without the support of human crews. No wonder that drones are being used in various high-rise construction projects across the world.
Another big plus of construction drones – thermal cameras. Equipped with thermal cameras drones can play a big role in detecting hidden defects or leaks in buildings or pipelines. This helps in the early detection of issues. reduction of long-term maintenance costs and minimizing downtime.
Then again, drones can address the issue of worker safety. A large chunk of fatal work injuries occur in the construction industry. Drones can monitor the site for hazard identification and safety compliance, thereby reducing the risks that workers face.
What Types of Drones Are Used in Construction?
There are three main types of drones used in the construction industry.
Multirotor drones
With a central body and multiple rotors, these are commonly used drones. They are easy to fly and are preferred for horizontal movements. This makes them effective for surveying sites.
Fixed-Wing Drones
These drones require more space for take-off and landing but have more endurance. Since they can fly for hours, fixed-wing drones are used for larger areas and taller structures. However, you need specialized training to fly them.
Fixed-Wing Hybrid Drones
These drones combine the best of both worlds. They have high endurance and also have VTOL ability. This means they can take off and land vertically. Then again, they are more expensive and require proper flight training.
Final Thoughts
Drones in construction are transforming the nature of site work by delivering industry-leading solutions through their efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. As drones become widely adopted, more and more construction companies will start taking advantage of the technology.
Boosting productivity and powering your worksite has never been easier. Learn more about Bryan Construction projects to explore the best drone services for construction.
