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Drone in Construction & Infrastructure: Benefits, Uses, and Case Studies
The use of drones in the construction industry has skyrocketed by 239% year over year, surpassing any other commercial sector. Over the past few years, commercial drones have significantly impacted and revolutionized the construction industry. Their aerial capabilities and data collection abilities make them a practical tool for video and imagery, offering benefits ranging from construction site mapping and site security to remote monitoring.
Are you curious about how drones can be utilized in construction? Are you considering starting a drone project for your construction company? In this article, we’ll explore the key advantages and primary applications of construction drones, as well as the different types of drones used in construction. We’ll also provide a curated list of some of the best drones for construction purposes based on our research, along with real-world case studies.
Let’s dive right in.
One of the most significant impacts of drones in construction is their ability to fast-track and enhance data collection. Obtaining detailed mapping and surveying data is crucial for every phase of a construction project. However, traditional methods using land-based equipment are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and potentially dangerous in rugged terrains. Drones can accomplish similar or better survey work in 60% to 70% of the time it takes with traditional methods. Additionally, drones can perform dangerous survey tasks, eliminating risks to personnel.
Another major benefit of drones is cost and time savings. Construction companies are always looking to cut costs and increase efficiency. Unmanned vehicles tend to be far more affordable than mobilizing an entire inspection team. For instance, inspecting a tall building with cracks on its exterior traditionally requires renting a crane and a dedicated team. With a drone, you can capture necessary shots both inside and outside the building without the risk of accidents or the expense of renting a crane.
Safety is also a critical concern in construction, and drones play a pivotal role in enhancing safety. Previously, construction workers had to climb onto roofs or use scaffolding to inspect damages and complete vertical inspections, which were often hazardous. Now, with UAVs, you can conduct inspections remotely, ensuring the safety of your team while performing real-time diagnostics. Project managers can also use drones to oversee the site from a distance, ensuring smooth and secure operations.
Communication on construction sites has seen significant improvement thanks to drones. Traditional methods relied on radios and cell phones, which often led to inaccurate or conflicting data, causing communication breakdowns. Drones, however, have improved site communication by up to 65%. Real-time video data allows everyone connected to the drone to see what’s happening and what needs to be done, facilitating more timely and efficient exchanges between construction companies and their clients.
Monitoring construction progress is another advantage drones bring. Their quick deployment allows companies to monitor sites daily or weekly. Field evaluations enable companies to determine if projects are on schedule or behind, allowing for data-driven decisions to correct setbacks and get back on track. This reduces costly rework that negatively impacts budgets and timelines. Furthermore, drone-collected data can be quickly shared with all stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned on project progress.
Drones are also effective for marketing construction projects. High-quality images and videos captured by drones serve as excellent marketing materials. In the past, contractors often resorted to helicopters or planes for aerial photography, which could cost up to $1,500 per hour. Drones offer a more affordable and flexible alternative, capturing stunning views of construction sites from various angles in a shorter time frame. These images and videos help construction companies build a modern brand and stand out from competitors.
Despite their numerous benefits, drones in construction come with some challenges. Weather dependency is a significant factor; drones are lighter and smaller than conventional aircraft, making them more susceptible to unfavorable weather conditions. Windy conditions can throw drones off course, compromising data collection. However, high-end drones on the market are more stable and can withstand stronger winds.
Legal regulations are another hurdle. While drones have become commonplace, laws surrounding their use continue to evolve, causing confusion and delays for projects. Construction sites in urban areas must be particularly mindful of changing regulations and permit requirements. Rural and open spaces typically have fewer restrictions, but navigating these regulations can still be challenging. Companies like JOUAV specialize in drones and can assist with regulatory compliance.
Drones are also vulnerable to wildlife interference. Noise from drones can disturb animals, and in areas with significant wildlife populations, drones can collide with birds or trees. Large birds of prey, such as hawks, often attack drones operating in their territory. Piloting drones requires skill and knowledge. Inexperienced pilots can easily cause accidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive training or third-party drone services.
Security is another concern. Drones, like most connected devices, are susceptible to hacking. Hackers can exploit drones from a mile away, accessing private information, damaging files, and leaking data to unauthorized parties. Software issues and malfunctions can also occur, leading to loss of control and potential safety hazards. Reliable software and hardware, along with trained professionals, are crucial for safe drone operation.
Construction sites utilize various types of drones, each suited for specific tasks. Quadcopter drones are the most common, with 4-8 rotors and a flight time of about 30 minutes. They are easy to handle and ideal for inspections and field surveillance due to their compact design and hovering capability. However, they have limited flight time, speed, and payload capacity, making them unsuitable for large-scale sites and high-accuracy projects.
Fixed-wing drones resemble airplanes and are more stable than quadcopters. They can remain airborne for hours and fly faster, making them suitable for mapping large areas. However, they require a long runway for takeoff and landing, which may not be feasible at construction sites. They also demand specialized training for operation.
Helicopter drones, with their single or dual rotors, are more energy-efficient and fly longer than quadcopters. Yet, they are harder to fly due to the risk of collisions caused by rotor imbalances.
Hybrid drones combine the efficiency of fixed-wing drones with the versatility of multi-rotors, allowing vertical takeoffs and landings. However, they are expensive and require advanced training.
Drones are transforming construction workflows. For initial site surveys, drones provide more accurate terrain data and generate precise maps. During construction, drones offer real-time monitoring, allowing teams to track progress and identify issues early. They can also track equipment, detect building defects, and generate promotional content for marketing.
The data collected by drones is processed into various outputs, including orthomosaics, 3D textured models, point clouds, digital elevation models (DEMs), raw images, infrared footage, and optical videos. These deliverables help teams measure distances, plan future developments, and improve site management.
When selecting a drone for construction, the JOUAV CW series stands out. These drones are equipped with GPS correction technology, including RTK or PPK modules, enabling centimeter-level GPS data embedding in images. They feature heated pitot tubes for harsh weather operations and offer vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. With multiple payload options, fast speeds, and high accuracy, these drones are ideal for construction projects of varying scales.
Case studies highlight the effectiveness of drones in construction. For instance, a Malaysian company used drones to survey a road prone to landslides, collecting detailed 3D point cloud data. Similarly, a Chinese firm mapped a mountainous area for a hydroelectric project, completing the survey in a fraction of the time it would have taken manually.
The cost of construction drones varies widely, from $2,500 for basic models to upwards of $100,000 for high-end drones with advanced sensors. As technology advances, drones are expected to play an increasingly significant role in construction, potentially leading to fully autonomous site operations and even contributions to Mars-based construction.