Drones in the construction industry

When we look at long and strong buildings in our city, we often think of how they were built or how construction workers reached that height to do construction? But these questions have one simple answer i.e. technology. The construction at that height is possible by using cranes, temporary lifts to carry materials and workers, and much more such equipment. But, have you heard of using drones in construction sites?

The use of drones is a current trend in construction works. Where engineers use drones for several purposes like monitoring issues, tracking the progress, or making better plans on-site by taking aerial pictures and videos of the construction site. With the growth in the construction industry, the use of technology in a new way can also be observed. And this can be a factor for a massive boost in the use of drones in the construction workplace. But, in what way do drones benefit engineers in the construction industry?

Benefits Of Using Construction Drones

As per a study, the use of drones in construction sites has a huge jump of 239% within a year. And this jump is proof of how beneficial a drone can be. Some of the benefits of using drones in construction are as follows:

1. Land Surveys And Topographic Mapping

This can be the first thing to do while planning for complex and large projects. Survey and mapping allow us to know about the terrain, whether it is fit for construction or needs some changes in the design. But, making a topographic map is very costly and also takes a lot of time. Hence, getting it on short notice isn’t possible.

Here comes the role of drones in construction sites, as drones quickly access the land’s topography and help in quick mapping. This speed of topography mapping allows taking a survey just before beginning the project and helps to keep the project on time. Moreover, these drones are equipped with higher-resolution cameras that can give us 3D imaging of the construction area to point out any flaws at the start.

2. Equipment Tracking And Assessment

Managing a construction project isn’t a small task to do, as it requires a lot more attention, and planning to complete the project. But, this is possible to miss out on something while focusing on other tasks. Sometimes, project managers are not aware of the location of the equipment being used. Hence, to locate the equipment’s current location, drones can be used.

Moreover, this also helps in checking whether any equipment is still able to function or needs to terminate or needs any instant repair to smoothly function again. Also, by using the real-time video recording feature of construction drones, the project managers can access the exact issues arising in the equipment.

3. Instant Progress Reports

This is a very important application of drones in construction sites, as it helps project managers to pass on the progress data to the client easily. Also, with the use of drones clients can have an aerial and a clear view of the ongoing project, and quickly access any mistake if present. These views are an assurance that their money is being used properly.

Moreover, the use of drones can also help communicate with the team easily or pass on any message quickly. Drones are a great way to generate progress reports by collecting the data and uploading it to the software.

4. Security Surveillance

To get rid of theft in construction areas, fixed cameras are no more a solution. Fixed cameras can only cover a certain portion of the construction site, while construction drones are a great way to cover the whole site of construction. This avoids the chances of getting equipment stolen or also prevents any unauthorized entry into the construction site. As per a report, around 300$ million worth of construction equipment goes missing every year with a low recovery rate of 25%. Hence, by using drones and fixed cameras this rate of theft can be reduced and the recovery rate can also be raised.

5. Enhances Safety

We often see workers climbing up to unsteady heights, which increases the chances of falling or deaths of workers. If we look at the fatalities occurring at the workplace, then 39% of fatalities occur due to falling from such heights. Here, drones have a role to play, as they can be replaced with workers to reach that height or transport goods. Also, managers can have precise surveillance of the site to avoid any mishap that can occur due to loose or unstable equipment.

6. Transportation

If drones in construction sites can fly up to hundreds of feet, then can we use them to carry lighter goods to the required places? Yes, the drones are used to do the same. Managers or construction workers use drones to transport urgently required goods or documents to the required height to save time and effort.  

7. Inspection

Not only do new construction sites require inspection, but older infrastructures too need inspections like bridges, towers, etc. So, using construction drones a proper inspection can be carried out, and reports can be generated easily. If any flaws have occurred during the period, they can be pointed out easily and can be rectified quickly.

But, every task in the construction industry can not be done using the same type of drone, as different tasks require the usage of different drones. But, some features need to enable almost all types of drones to meet the standards of the construction industry. Some of the basic features required in construction drones are as follows:

1. High-Resolution Camera

The first and the most important feature that needs to be present in a drone. A drone with a quality camera can record clear videos and capture images with high precision.

2. GPS

A GPS-enabled drone is essential in the construction site as it helps in monitoring longitude, latitude, and elevation points. Also, it helps in locating different areas within the construction site.

3. Thermal Sensor

Thermal imaging is very essential in construction works to make a strong building. Also, this sensor can be used to avoid any mishap caused due to growing temperature.

4. Infrared Sensors

This sensor can be vital in detecting unwanted activities within the construction premises.

5. Payload

This can be defined as the amount of weight or load a drone can carry. Hence, drones with higher payloads will be great for construction sites.

6. Range

As we know, drones in the construction industry have to reach higher elevations and longer distances to do their respective tasks. Hence, a drone with a higher range will be applicable for construction sites.

7. Battery Life

Most drones function due to the inbuilt battery. To work in a construction place, a drone will require an extended battery life.

How Drones Are Used In The Construction Industry In India?

Since the development process has started in India, it has been seen that India is putting more effort into the construction industry. India has also started building apartments, skyscrapers, towers, statues. And recently, India has invested thousands of crores in building the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world. So, how is it possible to do such marvellous works without the use of technology?

The construction sector has been contributing highly to India’s economy i.e. 58% and generating a lot of employment opportunities for graduates and labourers. But, with this higher number of people and bigger projects, operating on these construction sites manually isn’t possible for anyone. Hence, India has introduced drone technology to its construction industry to work seamlessly.

It is now expected that the usage of construction drones in India will see a big spike. And It will be a very important part of all the construction activities going around all over India. If we look at the UAV market in India, the reports will say it all. India has a rapidly growing market for UAVs and a few estimates state that by 2021, the market value of the Indian UAV market will be around $885.7 Million.

As per the current scenario, India has understood the value of using aerial vehicles in the construction industry and has been using them as an important commercial tool. And the industry that is most benefited by the use of drones is the construction industry and vice versa. Moreover, the use of drones has guaranteed the delivery of all construction projects with proper finishing and on-time works. But, the operation of drones in India is not as simple as we think. The government has imposed some rules and regulations for both the personal and commercial flying of drones. And also, the government has said that flying drones without an official license is a criminal offence.

Stats Related To The Global Drone Market

• As per a report, it has been expected that the global drone market will reach up USD 4.4 billion by the end of 2019.
• While this market will grow up to USD 63.6 billion by the end of 2025, which is huge.
• If we look at the expected growth rate, then within 6 years i.e. from 2019-2025, the market size will grow 55.9% globally.
• The reason behind this growth is the expansion and introduction of new products to the market by the leading marketers.
• Drones have been used by multiple industries that include construction, agriculture, logistics, media, etc. But, the industry that tops the chart is the use of drones in the construction industry.

CONCLUSION

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) or drones have made complex construction projects very simple. These gadgets have been used for various purposes within the construction area. But, the use of drone technology helps to grow more rapidly than relying on the past technology that was used previously and also plays a great role in the quick development of a country. Hence, it is always suggested to move parallel to the advancing technology to always stay on the top.