Drone Construction Inspections

The use of drones in the construction industry has already led to many changes in the way buildings are made. This has led to increased reporting accuracy, improved safety conditions, cost reductions and improved efficiency.

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What is a Drone Construction Inspection?

The main purpose of drone construction inspections is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional inspections by exploiting the capabilities of drones to inspect building sites throughout all of the stages of construction projects.

How are drones used for inspecting construction sites?

In the last decade, drones have been increasingly used by construction companies for inspection, checking on building sites, keeping track of progress, and ensuring that everything is going according to plan. This also allows businesses to save time and money while ensuring that their assets remain safe at all times.

Drones are used in construction sites in several ways. These include:

Initial Survey Requirements

Now available as a full capability feature, drones have been identified as a way to fulfil initial survey requirements. Real-time aerial footage of the construction site provides information crucial for impact assessments and reproducing accurate measuring in the initial phase of construction. Creating 3D Models and Mapping Drones can capture the contour of a construction site, supply high-resolution video footage that records progress, and be used for 3D modelling to produce more in-depth images and data. Drones are flown by an operator who can take photos and videos from different angles for later reference, ensuring that there is no delay on-site.

Tracking Construction Progress

Whether aerial mapping, 3D scanning, or thermal imaging systems are used, drones speed up evaluation, response, and planning during construction – keeping projects on schedule and under budget. This also enables effective monitoring of the performance of the crew on site. At the same time, it provides faster information exchanges with clients – boosting the overall efficiency of the construction process.

Site Logistics and Security

Bird’s eye view imaging and data collection of infrastructure or buildings enable real-time fault detection and accurate next-generation field reporting. In this way, drone surveys around construction sites can support the security and maintenance of construction sites at all stages of development. They also have a role in logistics by assisting in not only tracking the transportation of goods but also in aerial deliveries.

Safety Management

Using drones for inspecting high-risk, dangerous structures in a construction site is now being practised all over the world as they can travel at heights inaccessible by humans and carry out round-the-clock inspections without having to worry about physical exhaustion or weather conditions.

What are the benefits of using drones for construction inspections?

Construction has been revolutionised by the use of drones. Drones have already led to many changes in the way buildings are made. They have been very useful in surveying work sites, collecting data, and inspecting buildings.

Some of the benefits include:

Accurate Surveys

Drones send back images that can be used to create 3-D models of buildings and surrounding areas. These models allow for more accurate surveying and reporting by eliminating irregularities. For example, drone images have helped to identify problems with foundations not being built correctly or cracks in foundations that wouldn’t have been apparent otherwise.

Data Collection

Drone use has also helped with the regular collection of data on building progress, which is useful for updating project managers and contractors on how the project is going. This means they have reliable data at any one point thereby preventing delays.

Enabling Safety Inspections

Since drones can provide an aerial view that humans with ladders cannot get, they allow for safety inspections that would be impossible otherwise. This helps prevent workers from being injured or killed on site as drones can be flown over roofs and into tight spaces for inspection without putting workers at risk.

Saving Time and Money

Drones have allowed construction companies to save time and money by eliminating the need for scaffolding or cranes in projects that require some infrastructure support, like window washing or roofing procedures.

Because drones improve the accuracy of surveying work and materials, they also help builders plan more efficiently, helping them save on construction costs. This means project managers can spend less time on on-site inspections and focus on supervising their teams instead.

Report preparation

Drone inspection companies report on the state of the building and its various facets, including roofing, plumbing, foundation, and more. When used as an early detection system, they can help ensure that problems are fixed before they turn into major issues with costly repairs.

Safety and Accident Prevention

Drones can be used to inspect dangerous or hard-to-reach places and check the structural integrity of buildings. Using this information, workers will know whether a particular place needs attention and can immediately take action to avoid potential accidents.

Natural Hazard Prevention

With the use of drones, builders can identify flood risks and areas prone to landslides. Drones equipped with infrared cameras can also be used for night inspections to help workers assess damages caused by natural disasters. Insurance companies are already using drone technology to help assess damages from various natural catastrophes and estimate payouts faster.

What can drones inspect on a construction site?

A drone can be used to inspect these aspects of a construction site:

Site Layout and Planning

Drones can capture aerial images and videos of the entire construction site, including its boundaries, topography, and existing structures. This data aids in site layout, planning, and determining optimal locations for buildings and infrastructure.

Earthwork and Excavation

Drones can monitor earthwork activities, including grading, excavation, and filling operations. They can capture accurate topographic data, calculate volumes of materials moved, and assess the progress of earthwork activities.

Foundation and Concrete Work

Drones can capture detailed images and videos of foundation preparations, formwork installations, and concrete pouring. These inspections help verify the accuracy of foundations, identify potential issues, and assess the quality of concrete work.

Structural Elements

Drones can inspect various structural components during construction, such as columns, beams, walls, and slabs. High-resolution imagery enables the detection of defects, deviations, or poor workmanship that may affect structural integrity.

Roofs and Facades

Drones can assess the condition of roofs, facades, and cladding materials, capturing detailed imagery from different angles. They can identify leaks, cracks, or damage, helping in timely maintenance or repairs.

Utilities and Services

Drones can inspect utility installations, such as electrical lines, plumbing, and HVAC systems. They can capture thermal images to identify heat leaks, insulation problems, or energy inefficiencies.

Safety Compliance

Drones can monitor safety measures on the construction site, including the presence of proper signage, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and adherence to safety regulations. They can identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Landscaping and Vegetation

Drones can survey landscaping elements, such as gardens, parks, or green spaces, both during and after construction. They can monitor the growth of vegetation, detect irrigation issues, and assess the overall aesthetics.

Drone Roof Inspection Cardiff

From our Cardiff base in South Wales, Sutro operates drone construction inspection services for our clients throughout the UK and Europe. With easy access to South West England via the M4 as well as the rest of the UK and Europe from Cardiff Airport, we respond quickly and deliver industry-leading results.

In the UK and Europe, any individual conducting a visual inspection must be professionally trained. These individuals’ training includes academic qualifications and relevant experience, hazard identification, emergency procedures, information technology, and fire protection and prevention.

Find out how our access solutions can offer you cost efficiency whilst ensuring quality and safety.

0800 069 9395

Frazer Building
126 Bute Street
Cardiff
CF10 5LE