The Role of Drones in Construction Projects

Drones have dramatically changed many industries, and construction is no different. These high-tech tools, which began strictly as novelties, have morphed into essential equipment on construction projects. Construction drones offer a level of efficiency and precision that traditional methods simply can’t match, and it goes way beyond taking aerial photos.

With their broad set of capabilities, including detailed topographic mapping and delivering heavy materials to hard-to-reach areas, today's construction drones are transforming how construction firms plan, manage, and complete their projects.

What are Drones for Construction?

The drones used in construction projects are quite different from the hobby drones sold for entertainment. They play an essential role in many aspects of construction projects, from the initial site assessment work to equipment inventory and ongoing maintenance. Construction drones are more rugged, with advanced sensors and other equipment to provide functions geared toward many facets of construction projects.

The role of drones in construction projects includes marketing uses, such as producing video footage to show off projects on social media or in pitches. But this just scratches the surface of the drones' functionality. Construction companies are actively using drones to perform tasks like monitoring the progress of projects compared to the original construction plan; this helps jobs stay on track and lets contractors identify issues early before they become costly and risk derailing the timeline or budget.

Construction drones are commonly used to map an area's topography before and during projects, especially terrain that is difficult for humans to access or spans large acreage. While contractors and drone pilots need to follow specific guidelines and FAA regulations, pilots can fly construction drones at any time over their worksite as an effective means of site surveillance. This is an effective strategy to ensure construction equipment remains safe.

It also enables more straightforward checking against inventory at any time and helps identify unauthorized individuals on the job site. Many of these drone capabilities provide information and updates that improve the communication and collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in a given project.

Types of Drones Used in Construction

Generally speaking, construction projects use two main types of drones: fixed-wing and rotary types. Within these categories exist others, such as hybrids, which combine the fixed-wing structure's long flight endurance and efficiency with the rotary style’s ability to take off and land vertically.

Fixed-wing: These drones are built to cover large land areas quickly. They are often larger in size and have longer flight times, making them ideal for performing topographical surveys, mapping construction sites, outputting 3D mapping data, and producing high-resolution images.

Multirotor: Some drones have multiple rotors, ranging from three to eight, that generate lift and make the rotorcraft maneuverable. They are beneficial for inspection and monitoring tasks, although they have a shorter range and flight time. They can fly easily around buildings and structures, hover in place, and inspect tall buildings, utility installations, bridges, and other infrastructure. They can also take high-definition photos and videos to use for real-time monitoring and assessment of construction projects. Some multirotor drones make use of infrared cameras; this equipment allows them to detect variations in temperature in building materials, which helps find insulation issues or leaks.

Heavy-Lift: Also known as cargo drones, these are built to carry significant weight to hard-to-reach parts of the work site, such as heavy tools, materials, or construction equipment. Contractors use this extra capability for large or remote projects, and some heavy-lift drones can carry up to 500 pounds of payload.

Photogrammetry: Photogrammetry, or the science of using aerial images to create 2D maps and 3D models, existed long before drones hit the scene. The role of drones in construction projects includes photogrammetry work, which drones can do much faster and with less cost to gather detailed and accurate measurements. Workers use special software to stitch the resulting photos together to create 3D models.

AI-Driven or Autonomous: Autonomous drones work without requiring manual control. They use AI for tasks like inspection on your construction site and can work using pre-programmed routes. They accumulate and analyze data in real-time, contributing to faster decision-making and better project management.

Site Security: These drone models are equipped with cameras, night vision, and AI-driven systems, making them essential for monitoring construction sites, especially after hours.

How Many Construction Firms Use Drones?

Using drones for construction projects gives contractors a competitive edge. According to recent surveys, drone usage in construction was about 50% in 2021, and the number of civil contractors adopting drones continues to grow as they become more advanced. While some may still view drones as new technology, the role of drones in construction projects has been quickly and enthusiastically embraced in the industry.

The most significant percentage of drone users are adults in the 35—to 54 age bracket, who are most likely to be owners, construction managers, and project forepersons. Almost 70% of larger construction firms use drones in their operations, while less than 10% of small contractors do.

Top Benefits of Using Drones for Construction

The construction industry currently has the largest and fastest-growing market share for drone usage, bringing many benefits that will increase as the technology improves.

Faster Access to More Data

Drones provide the ability to access data that was previously unavailable and at a faster rate. The technology also removes the need for people to always be on-site by allowing them to receive information remotely. While the cost of drones is relatively low compared to other construction tools and equipment, the investment is easy to justify. Many drone models are cost-effective, allowing smaller construction firms to also benefit from functionality such as visual progress updates and reports to be shared quickly and efficiently with their employees and project stakeholders.

More Efficient and Effective Estimating

Drones also improve the estimating process, providing a more accurate and less costly way to produce project bids. They gather detailed information faster and more accurately than human employees, signaling to clients that the firm is innovative.

Increased Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 20% of all work-related deaths occur in construction, making it one of the nation’s most dangerous industries. Drones can mitigate some hazards by eliminating the need for dangerous manual inspections, such as on slippery or unstable roofing. They also help workers monitor other areas difficult to access on foot, such as bridges or infrastructure in active waterways, improving overall safety.

Improved SecurityDrones enhance job site security by continuously monitoring construction progress and providing around-the-clock job site surveillance. They can fly at any time and help protect against vandals or intruders.

Project Marketing

Drones are a powerful marketing tool for construction companies. Many firms use drone footage to showcase completed projects on their websites, social media, and print media. Aerial photography captures entire construction sites from unique angles that ground photography cannot achieve. This capability provides stunning visuals that help firms stand out and build a modern brand.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Investing in construction drones is a practical decision when viewed through the lens of return on investment (ROI). Drones can cost anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000, depending on their capabilities and equipment, such as thermal imagers, LiDAR, or high-quality cameras.

Additional costs in addition to the drones include data analysis software, drone pilot training, maintenance, insurance, and operational expenses like battery replacements and data storage. Despite these costs, the capabilities and data provided by drone usage lead to increased profit margins, more efficient project scheduling, and improved customer acquisition, among other benefits.

Are There Any Downsides?

Using construction drones comes with a few negatives, which construction firms must consider before putting them into service.

1. Flying drones requires construction firms to designate a worker as a drone pilot. The pilot must acquire an FAA license, and while in use, the drone must typically remain within the pilot's visual line of sight unless the operator gets a special FAA waiver.

1. Drones' flight time is limited by battery life, and weather conditions such as rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures can make flying them unsafe or impossible.

1. Drones can pose safety risks to workers if they fall or if heavy-lift drones drop equipment or materials.

1. There are complex FAA regulatory requirements for drone operation and privacy concerns related to aerial data collection.

1. Drones can distract workers, and construction firms must employ trained pilots to operate them effectively.

Construction Drones Have a Large Payoff

As construction drones become more advanced and accessible, their use in the construction industry will only continue to grow. Despite a few regulatory and operational challenges, the ROI for construction firms is clear: faster data collection, improved safety, and more efficient project management.

Whether a firm wants to increase site security, enhance marketing efforts, or ensure projects stay on time and within budget, drones provide a cutting-edge solution that saves time and modernizes construction practices. Investing in drone technology today could be the competitive edge that keeps your firm ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving industry. For professional waterproofing services that can keep your property ahead of the curve, contact the professionals at West Coast Deck today.