Benefits for Using Drones in the Construction Business
As technology continues to advance, drones are becoming a helpful tool in the construction industry. These versatile devices offer a range of benefits, including improved inspections, precise data collection, and identifying safety hazards. In this blog, we’ll discover the many ways drones can streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost productivity on construction sites.
The Benefits of Drones in Construction
The use of drones in construction is experiencing rapid growth, with a 239% increase in usage year-over-year. Plus, according to Straits Research, the global construction drone market is projected to grow to $15.8 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.57% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2030.
Here are six advantages of drone use in construction that contribute to this boom in drone use:
1. Examine Hard-to-Reach Areas with Drones
Using drones in the construction business can be an invaluable inspection tool for examining hard-to-reach and unsafe exterior areas. In fact, drones are used on at least 37% of construction sites, and they can significantly reduce the need for human workers to climb to high areas for inspections.
Imagine you have a partially completed, tall building, and a huge rainstorm hits one night. The next day, someone spots water stains on one of the completed floors. The first question you’ll probably ask is, "Where’s the leak?" Instead of diverting a crew to look for a bad seam or crack, you can hire a qualified drone operator to search the exterior surfaces for you.
If you spot something that looks suspicious, the drone can move in for a closer look. And suddenly, you see it—a crack in the wall! You can even take a video to send to others for analysis.
2. Real-Time Aerial Views for Project Management
Drone technology for construction projects is revolutionizing project management on construction sites by providing real-time aerial views. This allows project managers to monitor progress, ensure that timelines are being met, and identify any issues that need addressing immediately.
Real-time views from above offer a comprehensive perspective that is hard to achieve from the ground, making it easier to manage large projects effectively.
In addition to visual monitoring, drones can be equipped with various sensors to gather data on site conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. This information can be crucial for ensuring that materials are stored correctly and that the working environment is safe for workers.
Furthermore, real-time aerial views enable project managers to verify that safety protocols are being followed, such as the correct placement of barriers and signage.
3. Capturing Visual Data for Progress Reports
One of the significant benefits of using drones in construction is the ability to capture visual data for progress reports. High-resolution images and videos taken by drones can be used to document the construction process, providing clear evidence of work completed. This is particularly useful for keeping stakeholders informed and for maintaining accurate records of the project's progress.
Visual data can be seamlessly integrated into project management software, allowing for easy comparison between planned and actual progress. This helps identify any deviations from the schedule or design, enabling timely corrective actions.
Additionally, visual records can serve as valuable documentation for resolving disputes with clients or subcontractors, offering an unbiased account of the project's status at any given time.
4. Roof and Building Inspections
Traditional inspection methods can be time-consuming, costly, and dangerous. But, with drones, you can quickly and safely inspect high-pitch roofs and tall buildings, capturing detailed images and videos that can help identify potential issues such as leaks, cracks, or structural weaknesses. This not only speeds up the inspection process but also ensures a higher level of safety for workers.
The detailed imagery provided by drones allows inspectors to conduct thorough assessments without setting foot on potentially hazardous surfaces. This reduces the need for scaffolding, ladders, or other equipment, cutting down on costs and setup time.
Drones can also access tight or awkward spaces that would be challenging for humans to inspect, providing a more complete evaluation of the building's condition.
5. Identifying Structural Issues and Potential Hazards
Drones equipped with advanced imaging technology can identify structural issues and potential hazards that might not be visible to the naked eye.
For example, infrared cameras can detect heat loss from buildings, indicating poor insulation or leaks. By identifying these issues early, construction companies can address them before they become major problems, saving time and money.
Drones can also use photogrammetry to create accurate 3D models of structures, allowing engineers to analyze the integrity of the building and spot any deformations or weaknesses. This technology is particularly useful for inspecting large structures such as bridges, towers, and dams, where manual inspections would be impractical or dangerous.
In addition to structural assessments, drones can monitor environmental hazards such as landslides, flooding, or soil erosion. This allows construction teams to implement mitigation strategies to protect the site and ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding community.
6. Assisting with Land Development and Infrastructure Projects
Drones are also playing a crucial role in land development and infrastructure projects. They can quickly survey large areas of land, providing detailed topographical maps and 3D models.
This information is invaluable for planning and designing new developments, ensuring that projects are built on solid foundations. Drones can also be used to monitor the construction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and pipelines, ensuring that everything is built according to specifications.
The ability to conduct rapid, accurate surveys reduces the time and cost associated with traditional surveying methods. Drones can capture data from hard-to-reach or hazardous areas without putting surveyors at risk. This is particularly beneficial in remote or rugged terrains where conventional surveying would be challenging and time-consuming.
Furthermore, drones can continuously monitor infrastructure projects, ensuring that any deviations from the design are promptly identified and corrected.
This real-time oversight helps maintain the quality and safety of the construction, reducing the likelihood of costly rework or delays. Drones can also assist in post-construction inspections, verifying that the infrastructure meets all regulatory standards and is ready for use.
Hire the Right Drone Operator
One thing to note about drones is that they are restricted from flying in certain areas.
For example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Interior have restricted drone flights around several national sites, ranging from the Statue of Liberty in New York to the Hoover Dam in Nevada. Municipalities may also have restrictions, so it is best to check before you go buzzing off around the neighborhood.
You can find qualified drone operators online. Like any other subcontractor, make sure they know what they are doing, have the proper equipment for what you need, and carry the right insurance.
Also, explain exactly what you need and any obstructions or conditions that might affect the drone’s operation—for instance, scaffolding or high winds.
Stay Safe With 360training
As drone technology continues to advance, construction drone applications will only expand, making them indispensable tools for modern construction projects.
Drone technology for construction can lead to improved efficiency, safety, and cost savings. You can stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry by embracing the advantages of drone technology for your next construction project.
However, while drones can be an important part of your on-site construction team, if not handled appropriately, they can be dangerous. Therefore, before implementing drones on your construction site, ensure you've completed an OSHA 30-Hour Construction Course or OSHA 10-Hour Construction Course. Prevent construction-related injuries and accidents by enrolling today!
