Drones have a number of very important ways in which they can contribute to the smooth and efficient progress of construction projects. From tracking site progress to monitoring site safety, to keeping stakeholders informed and overseeing subcontractors, the use of UAVs can offer substantial benefits over traditional methods.
With even relatively small construction projects offering complex logistical challenges, this ability to streamline and simplify has unsurprisingly led to this new technology being fully embraced by the construction industry.
Drones can offer aerial photos and even 3D models created relatively simply with a short series of flights. These detailed images can be used to spot problems, and adjust plans and timescales accordingly.
They also serve to provide a record of the various stages of the project which can be used for future maintenance purposes.
Site Mapping and Geotagged Images
Regular site mapping is a vital tool to project management and an aerial camera means that this is faster and easier than ever. Geotagged pictures mean that these images become more than detailed photos – they are a complete set of references from which measurements can be taken.
This can be an invaluable tool when it comes to quantitative estimates and ordering supplies, saving both time and money.
Finding Fast Solutions
Safety inspections become faster and easier with the kind of aerial overview that a drone can provide. Areas that are highlighted as a cause for concern can then be investigated and dealt with in a targeted manner. This can save a lot of time patrolling these often huge construction sites.
The resulting images can be quickly passed to required specialists to allow them to analyse the data at least initially without the need for a site visit. In fact, there are many ways in which this digital information can be share between all parties for improved collaboration.
Detailed Inspection
As well as providing overview images of a site, drones with high resolution cameras can be used to carry out detailed inspections of areas that would be hard for construction personnel and necessitate either scaffolding or cherry pickers.
Areas such as roofs, chimneys and spires can be easily captured without incurring the health and safety risks involved with working at height.
Regular Updates
The reduced costs of aerial inspections when compared with traditional, ground-based methods means that expense is not a barrier to scheduling regular updates.
For any construction project manager, more information is a valuable asset – the sooner problem areas can be perceived, the sooner they can be dealt with and usually at less expense than rectifying problems that have been left unchecked for longer periods.
Drones and Land Surveys
There is always the need for accurate land surveys before a construction project of any size begins.
Drones are an ideal way to carry out these surveys from a project’s inception, providing a detailed and accurate backdrop for planning. Details of the site can then be used to inform the design process from the start, minimising problems and maximising opportunities.
Improving Security
Drones can be used on site not just to assess safety conditions for the workforce.
They can also be regularly deployed to check for theft and vandalism. Maintaining security across sometimes vast tracts of land with expensive materials and machines spread across various locations can be difficult.
On foot patrols can be replaced with regular drone patrols with security staff deployed on a much more targeted basis to investigate if a problem is identified.
Construction and Drones
In the hands of qualified and experienced pilots, UAVs have a great deal to offer the construction industry. In fact the speed and ease with which they can accomplish various tasks makes them perfect partners.
Why not get in touch to find out how we can save you time & money whilst improving safety on your construction projects.
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Article by DroneSafe Register