Construction is one of the fastest evolving industries out there, and one exciting new technology that is currently taking the sector by storm is drones.
Drones may originally have been seen only as cool gadgets for enthusiasts, but many people are now realising their enormous potential as powerful tools offering a host of benefits to a wide array of industries, with construction being no exception.
From improved safety measures to cost-efficient surveying and improved efficiency, drones are set to reshape how we build. In fact, drone use in the UK construction and manufacturing sector is projected to result in costs savings of £1.6bn by 2030, according to a report by PwC.
So, what benefits can drone technology bring to construction? Find out more below.
Enhanced surveying and mapping
Currently, one of the most widespread uses of drones in construction is to conduct aerial surveys and mapping with greater precision. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and GPS technology, drones can capture detailed images and data of construction sites from angles and elevations that would’ve previously been hard to reach. This data can then be processed to create highly accurate 3D maps, topographic models, and digital terrain models, providing a more detailed level of insight for architects, engineers, and project managers.
Improved safety
In construction, safety on site should be a top priority, and by eliminating the need for manual inspection of hazardous or hard-to-reach areas, drones minimise the risk of accidents and injuries. They can be deployed to assess structural integrity, monitor construction progress, and identify potential safety hazards, allowing project teams to mitigate any potential risks.
Efficient progress monitoring
Monitoring the progress of construction projects is essential for staying on schedule and within budget, and drones offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for real-time progress monitoring. Construction managers can deploy drones to capture aerial footage and images of the site at regular intervals, enabling them to track progress, identify delays or deviations from the original plan, and make data-driven decisions to keep the project on track.
Precise asset management
As well as monitoring project progress, drones equipped with advanced sensors and software can also provide real-time inventory management and asset tracking capabilities. They can be used to conduct inventory counts, monitor stock levels, and track the movement of equipment and materials across the site, helping to prevent theft, minimise waste, and allocate resources more effectively.
Cost-effective inspections and maintenance
Drones also offer a faster and more cost-effective alternative to manual inspections, and can be equipped with thermal imaging cameras, LiDAR sensors, and other advanced technologies to detect structural defects, moisture intrusion, and other issues that may compromise the integrity of buildings or infrastructure. By identifying problems early on, drones can flag up the need for any repairs or maintenance, extending the lifespan of assets and reducing long-term costs.
From surveying and mapping to progress monitoring, safety inspections, and asset management, drones offer a wide range of uses in the construction industry, and their use is expected to increase further in the coming years as further applications are realised. Are you already putting drones to good use on site, or do you have plans to do so in the future? Feel free to let us know on social media!
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