Introduction
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have emerged as a valuable tool in the construction industry. These robotic devices, initially introduced by the United States military, have undergone advancements that now make them suitable for commercial applications. In Malaysia, construction drones have been adopted to enhance the quality and productivity of construction projects. By leveraging drone technology, construction companies can improve project monitoring, data collection, aerial photography, inspection and monitoring, and site safety. The use of drones in construction is gaining momentum due to their ability to navigate hazardous areas, gather precise data, and produce high-quality visuals. This article explores the various applications of construction drones and highlights the benefits they bring to the industry.
What are Construction Drones?
Drones are one of the robotic technologies that have been used in construction projects in Malaysia to help improve the quality and productivity of construction processes in the country. Drone technology, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), was introduced by the United States military, where advancements in drone robotics systems have helped produce smaller, cheaper, more sophisticated drones suitable for commercial use.
The construction process involves various stages, including acquisition, design, and building construction. In the building construction stage, monitoring and controlling project progress are important tasks in project management based on the contractual requirements for construction. Current images of the construction process need to be included in progress reports that are sent to clients on a monthly or weekly basis. The use of drone technology is seen as a technology that can assist during the construction process, particularly in monitoring and controlling project progress.
Why is there an increase in construction drones?
In the construction industry, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are one of the influential categories in robotic technology. The use of drones in various aspects such as construction projects, monitoring projects, inspections during the construction process, and 3-dimensional (3D) modeling has become more relevant in recent times. As the level of hazards in building construction increases, advanced technologies are being implemented to reduce the likelihood of injuries occurring. Drone technology has the capability to collect data in unsafe and difficult-to-access areas for workers at construction sites, which has become a driving factor for the use of drone technology in construction projects. Another factor contributing to the use of drones is their ability to facilitate monitoring activities during the construction process by utilizing their capabilities to capture high-quality images and record videos for project management purposes.
The rapid advancements in drone technology have created various types of drones, each with unique features that can assist in completing specific tasks. To carry out construction project-related activities using construction drones, it is important to determine the appropriate type of drone for the task at hand. Questions such as the frequency of drone flights, the primary functions of the drone in the construction project, the software to be used, and the weather or temperature conditions during flight operations are often addressed to ensure the drone can function properly. Many construction companies had realise that there are more benefits of these Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), leading to increased use in construction sites. Drones in construction are a perfect example of an innovative piece of technology that can significantly improve construction project timelines while reducing the need for capital investment and skills requirements.
4 Uses Of Construction Drones.
| Use of Construction Drones | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Collection | Drones equipped with remote sensing systems (LiDAR) and photogrammetry capabilities efficiently gather data for accurate surveys and 3-dimensional modeling. They provide rapid and precise data acquisition compared to human visual inspection. |
| Aerial Photography | Drones capture high-quality images and videos from the air, offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to traditional methods. They can be used for promotional purposes, monitoring construction processes, job site surveillance, and documentation. |
| Inspection and Monitoring | Drones with cameras and video recording capabilities enable real-time monitoring of construction processes. Stakeholders, such as engineers and project managers, can remotely observe and monitor construction work, eliminating the need for physical presence in potentially hazardous areas. |
| Improved Site Safety | Drones aid safety managers in monitoring workers and conducting site observations. They provide aerial surveillance, helping to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards and minimizing the risk of accidents. By enhancing safety, drones contribute to cost savings, improved worker health, and increased profitability for construction companies. |
Data Collection
In construction projects, drones can be used to efficiently gather data. Utilizing construction drones, these technological devices are equipped with remote sensing systems (LiDAR) that can perform rapid and accurate surveys compared to human visual inspection. Additionally, drones employ photogrammetry capabilities with visual aids to convert 2-dimensional images into 3-dimensional representations. Photogrammetry is further enhanced by LiDAR to conduct precise surveys and generate more detailed 3-dimensional models. This demonstrates that the use of mapping drones can assist in producing 3-dimensional models for larger areas. While drones are employed for data acquisition, the choice of software is crucial as it can yield different values depending on the drone’s application.
Aerial Photography
The use of drones for aerial photography is no longer a foreign topic to society. However, the utilization of images and videos captured from the air is crucial in the construction industry for various purposes, including promotion, monitoring construction processes, job site surveillance, and documentation. Many construction companies have shifted from using cranes and helicopters to drones equipped with high-quality cameras for capturing construction images and videos.
Inspection and Monitoring
Construction drones have the ability to monitor the construction process in real time, which is a crucial factor in ensuring smooth project execution and avoiding project delays. Visual inspection plays a vital role in preventing project setbacks. Drones equipped with cameras and video recording capabilities allow stakeholders in the construction industry, such as engineers or project managers, to monitor construction work in real time through the drone system, eliminating the need to physically move to the areas that require monitoring.
Improved Site Safety
Safety managers are responsible for monitoring workers, and they are required to conduct regular site observations and direct monitoring to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards. The use of drone technology to assist in safety monitoring at construction sites can be beneficial for safety managers, especially in large construction areas with multiple sections.
Did you know that between six and nine percent of construction project costs are injury related? This leads to increased insurance prices and reduced profit margins. A deadly accident can end a construction company altogether. The application of construction drones will minimize the chances of accidents happening overall and cut down on the cost and health issues of workers.
Conclusion
Although the level of drone usage in construction projects among contractors in Malaysia is still low due to several factors. The government encourages private organizations to actively engage in innovation through the use of drone services in Malaysia. The main goal of the government is to assist Malaysia in becoming a key hub in the Southeast Asian region for companies to develop and test drones for various industries. In conjunction with the government’s initiative to support the emerging digital economy, Aonic had recently been recognized by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), which focuses on all drone-related technologies to enhance interest in the use of drone technology, including the construction industry.
References
Six ways drones in construction add value
Drones are Taking Industrial Inspections and Remote Equipment Maintenance to the Next Level
Drones in Construction – Why They Are Beneficial and How to Use Them
