A global revolution is underway as the adoption and use of drones as commercial tools becomes mainstream. The number of applications is limited only by imagination. While industries ranging from entertainment to farming are taking advantage of the many benefits drones have to offer, construction is the most prominent industry taking part in the rapidly expanding niche. This should come as no surprise, since the capabilities of drones fit the needs of the industry, for everything from safety inspections to project monitoring; drones can perform many tasks that were not previously possible through traditional methods.
Construction projects are complex and require thorough planning. Drones can take on tasks that are typically resource-intensive, tedious, or which monopolize time. From the outset, drones are great for scouting locations and can also be equipped with software that provides visually stunning pre-construction photography without the need for expensive helicopters.
Drones are quickly replacing traditional land-surveying techniques. They are growing in popularity so rapidly because they substantially reduce the labor and time required for generating accurate surveys. Sensors and computer software linked to a drone eliminate much of the human error involved in measuring and estimating, plus they have the ability to capture the necessary data in much less time than traditional methods can do. Stockpiles are a great example of where drones save time and money in construction. They are perfectly suited for measuring and estimating the value of stockpiles and tracking the changes in volume over time.
A drone’s ability to collect data allows projects to be completed faster and more efficiently because they offer users the ability to create visual tools like 3D models of sites and buildings. The need for manual labor is reduced since traditional ground surveys usually require experienced engineers. Fewer employees means fewer chances for human error. A drone has the capability to see different types of soil, trenches, and other small contours that an engineer could miss. Using this detailed technology helps workers produce timelines for important tasks for any given project. In the future, drones will continue to take on more complex tasks involved in construction projects. They will continue to cut time and costs, allowing contractors to make more competitive bids and complete their work in a more timely manner.
Drones on the jobsite have made real time data and updates the norm, and they are facilitating an efficient work environment with continuous connection. For example, superintendents on the site are using drones to monitor progress and use aerial footage to direct workers on the ground. Companies who use drones report drastic increases in efficiency and communication while simultaneously reducing delays. All of this monitoring technology is invaluable for showing clients the progress on a work site.
Standard inspections and surveys allow companies access to a more comprehensive understanding of a build’s progress, and ensure that safety standards are being met in the process. With drones, these inspections can be performed quickly and easily while saving money. Additionally, many dangerous tasks can be accomplished using a drone, which keeps workers out of harm’s way.
By eliminating dangers and safety hazards during inspections, drones drastically increase safety on the worksite. Some companies are pushing drone technology to the extreme, controlling the worksite and streamlining the inspection process by transporting goods using the drones themselves. Eliminating vehicles on the ground further improves security on job sites because everything that comes and goes can be easily tracked. Transporting materials by drone saves time and money by bypassing traffic and making deliveries directly in a fraction of the time.
Safety and security are top priorities in the construction industry, since the nature of the work makes it one of the most dangerous fields in the country. Drones have the ability to monitor a job site round-the-clock and in real-time, which greatly increases job site security while minimizing health and safety risks. The most significant contribution to job safety is a drone’s ability to survey dangerous locations without posing risk to individuals. The ability to replace workers with drones while conducting inspections and surveys is significantly reducing workplace accidents and increasing job site safety.
The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and with innovations and changes to traditional methods comes the need for greater efficiency in all aspects of business. Early and effective implementation of drone technology will give forward-thinking companies a significant edge in a very competitive market.