Many engineers know that new technologies can help, but it's not always easy to keep up with what's new and learn how to use them effectively. The use of drones in civil construction is one of them.

These advanced devices, with high-resolution cameras and sensors, are capable of transforming the way construction projects are planned, monitored, and delivered. Not to mention, they also serve to avoid high maintenance costs. 

Read the blog post and learn more about this tool that is here to stay in Civil Engineering. By the end of the article, you will check out: 

• Drone, UAV, or UAS: what is the correct way to say it?

• Drones in civil construction 

• What are drones used for in civil construction? 

• How can drones be an ally of 360° images in construction monitoring? 

• How to know which is the right drone to use in civil construction? 

• Type of construction drone ideal for each situation

• Very useful drone sensors in civil construction

• Rules for drone use

• Hire Construct IN and manage your construction sites remotely

Drone, UAV, or UAS: what is the correct way to say it?

We can say there are several ways to call a drone. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) means unmanned aerial vehicle. The abbreviation in Portuguese for UAV is VANT. On the other hand, "Drone", according to ANAC, is a very common term used by journalists to refer to UAVs.

Drones in civil construction 

A drone is an aircraft that can fly autonomously or be controlled remotely without the need for a human pilot on board. With high-resolution cameras, advanced sensors, and GPS technology, these devices can generate accurate 3D models and perform remote inspections in civil construction.

It can also be used for monitoring construction projects, especially when used with the construction management software Visi. Learn more about this new reality capture functionality with 360-degree drones.

- You will like to know: 360° Drone: The technology that will transform construction documentation

- Read also: 7 steps to implement technology in civil construction

What are drones used for in civil construction? 

The drone can be used in several stages of construction: from selecting the appropriate site to inspection. 

1. Planning phase

1.1. Selection of the appropriate site

With drones, engineers can have a detailed view of accessibility, proximity to transport networks, and the infrastructure of the region. All of this helps these professionals understand if the location meets the logical requirements of the project. 

In these images, potential obstacles or challenges in accessing the site can be observed. Thus, it becomes easier to get an idea of what could affect the construction and the transport of equipment and materials.

1.2.  Topographical survey and mapping of construction sites

In topography with drones, detailed aerial images of the construction site are captured. The collected data allows precise measurements of distances, elevations, and contours. This is essential for creating detailed 3D models, performing calculations with accuracy, and defining reference points (georeferencing) for subsequent mapping.

It is also possible to map the area, meaning, create detailed maps and models of the location. To do this, two elements are required: aerial images generated by the drone and advanced photogrammetry techniques, a method that uses overlapping images to measure and map objects and terrain. 

Photogrammetry algorithms process these images to generate 2D and 3D maps, including topographic maps showing elevations, contours, and slopes. It is also possible to generate orthomosaic maps, created by combining multiple images that facilitate precise measurements, distance calculations, and detailed visual analysis. 

2. Construction phase

2.1. Earthmoving and leveling monitoring 

This resource is very important for those who want to use resources more efficiently on the construction site. With the help of drones, engineers can have precise measurements and detailed photos of the location in hand. With this information, it is possible to perform cut and fill analysis (excavations and landfills), volume calculations, and monitor slopes (land inclinations). 

2.2. Progress monitoring at construction sites

Just like 360° cameras, with drones it is possible to have a detailed, real-time view of progress. In fact, one technology complements the other.

They capture aerial images of the construction site regularly, making it easier to see the progress of different construction activities. In addition to photos and footage, drones can perform photogrammetric surveys, meaning, detailed maps of the terrain and the built structures.

The collected data can be compared with the project schedule. This helps check if the work is being performed as planned. If there are delays, adjustments, and issues, managers can make quick decisions: reallocate resources to keep the project on schedule.

Communication also benefits, because the images and data captured by drones can be shared with the entire team. The visual documentation provided improves coordination between different teams and stakeholders, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes a shared view of the project status.

As a reminder, this reality capture functionality using drones is available on our Visi platform.

2.3. Drones and safety on the construction site

Using drones is also a great way to monitor and reduce the risk of accidents with workers on the construction site. This is because the presence of advanced cameras, sensors, and data processing capabilities helps identify various problems, such as: 

• Unsafe conditions for workers; 

• Unstable structures;

• Debris;

• Malfunction or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE);

• Among other issues.

We always hope it never happens, but if there is an accident, drones can quickly bring an overhead view in real-time. They can help teams assess the situation and plan ways to rescue those injured. If this tool has cameras with thermal sensors, it can locate fire outbreaks and missing people under the rubble. 

- Read also: Work safety in construction: how to optimize by 80% through 360° photos

2.4. Delivery and material control

In remote areas or with limited access, the drone can also be used to deliver materials. This is an easier, faster, and more efficient way. Furthermore, it reduces delivery costs. 

Another major contribution is observing the materials stored on the construction sites. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, drones can fly over the site and capture detailed images of them. With these, it is possible to perform an accurate count of bricks, cement, wood, etc.

By collecting data regularly, they allow construction managers to track material consumption in real-time and identify potential waste, avoiding construction delays.

3. Maintenance phase

Drones, with sensors utilizing LiDAR technology, can be widely used to identify structural issues, such as: corrosion, cracks, and deformations. This is possible because this tool can generate high-quality 3D point cloud data of structures.

When comparing previous data or reference data, these changes can be visualized. With this, engineers can act proactively, preventing greater deterioration or failures.

- Read also: Innovation in construction: main challenges and solutions

How can drones be an ally of 360° images in construction monitoring? 

360° images, like those generated with the Visi platform, show a complete view of the construction site. On the other hand, drones capture details seen from above and are also available in our software. Using these two technologies together allows monitoring of all parts of the site, ensuring that no detail of the project goes unnoticed.

How to know which is the right drone to use in civil construction? 

The first step is to define the objective of using the drone. Next, look at the size of the area it needs to map, the quantity and weight of the equipment it needs to carry, and the environment in which the drone will be operated (including factors such as weather, topography, and obstacles).

Type of construction drone ideal for each situation

The analysis is based on the equipment's wing, but other factors must be considered. See the advantages and disadvantages of each type:

1. Fixed-wing

Advantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Long flight time without needing to land: which is great for large-scale topographic surveying and mapping projects that require a lot of time in the air;

• Excellent for construction site supervision;

• Coverage of extensive areas due to its speed and endurance;

• Stability in wind: due to their aerodynamic design, they can fly well even on windy days;

• Ability to carry more weight: they can carry heavy equipment, such as high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors (like LiDAR), allowing the capture of detailed data for map creation, 3D modeling, and volumetric analysis of construction sites. 

Learn about the disadvantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Limited maneuvering: they cannot hover in place or fly in small spaces, making it difficult to inspect tall buildings or tight areas;

• Need for a runway to take off and land: which can be complicated in places with little space;

• Require experienced pilots: as they fly longer distances and have more complex features. This includes planning flight paths and performing pre-flight checks;

• High cost: they are more expensive than smaller, simpler drones, which can be an issue for smaller projects or those with a tight budget.

2. Rotary-wing (quadcopters or multirotor drones)

Since they can be operated by a single person, they are an economical solution for construction site supervision.  

See the advantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Easy to maneuver and hover in the air: they can move agilely in various directions and hover in place. This is great for close inspection of tall buildings, complicated structures, and small, tight areas;

• Do not need a runway to take off and land: this makes them perfect for sites with little space, such as tight construction sites;

• They are simpler to fly: they do not require as much pilot experience, making them more accessible for small projects.

Learn about the disadvantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Cannot fly for very long: they consume a lot of energy to hover in place and move in different directions. This means they are not ideal for large projects or monitoring tasks that need long flight periods;

• Sensitive to wind: this can make the flight unstable and compromise the quality of the captured photos and videos;

• Limited speed: usually around 60 km/h;

• Can only carry lighter equipment, such as: small cameras or simple sensors. This limits their use for detailed mapping tasks or advanced data collection.

3. Hybrid

See the advantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Versatility: combines the best features of fixed-wing and rotary-wing drones, making them suitable for many tasks;

• Do not need a runway, can reach tight spaces, perform close inspections and cover larger areas;

• More time in the air: compared to drones that can only hover in place, hybrid drones can fly for long periods, which is great for mapping and monitoring;

• Carries more equipment: such as large cameras and advanced sensors.

Learn about the disadvantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Not as easy to operate: since one of the specifics of this drone is having a bit of both types (fixed-wing and rotary), the pilot must undergo training and have specific knowledge;

• Are more expensive than fixed-wing and rotary-wing: as it integrates the best of both drone types, it requires specialized design and engineering that usually cost more; 

• Not as accessible for small and limited projects: because of its cost and the need for a more trained pilot with specific knowledge. 

Very useful drone sensors in civil construction

The truth is that for data collection to be more accurate, drones in civil construction need sensors. Learn about some of the most used: 

1. RGB Sensors

It is an easy-to-use sensor with a low cost and is ideal for mapping, inspection, and monitoring the construction site. This sensor's technology uses wavelengths of visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum and can capture images in real-time. 

The downside is that under low light conditions or in shaded areas, captured images may be of lower quality. RGB sensors are sensitive to reflections and glare, especially on surfaces like glass or metal. This can lead to distorted or blurry images. 

2. LiDAR Sensors

It is a drone sensor model in civil construction ideal for generating 3D models of construction sites. The main benefit is accuracy down to a few centimeters, because its technology uses lasers to measure distances. 

A sensor of this type emits short pulses of infrared laser light. It reaches the target location or object, and then part of this light returns to the drone's sensor. The time between sending and receiving the light is enough to calculate the distance. The downside of this sensor is that it is more expensive and has a limited range of up to 100 meters. 

3. Thermal (IR) Sensors

These are drone sensors in civil construction, better known as "thermal". These tools capture infrared energy emitted by objects and transform it into a visual image. 

It is widely used to predict heat issues, air leaks, moisture intrusion, structural damage, or cracks in walls, floors, or roofs. 

The disadvantage of this sensor is that it can be sensitive to motion, and this can affect the quality of the images. Additionally, they have a more restricted field of view compared to other sensors.

4. GPS and RTK Sensors

GPS (Global Positioning System) and RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) sensors are technologies used to determine the precise location of an object on the Earth's surface.

These sensors can be integrated with others, but alone they help with tasks like site inspection and have the ability to create accurate 3D models. 

Some of the disadvantages of this device are that they depend on satellite signals that can be blocked or weakened by atmospheric conditions, trees, or other factors. 

Rules for drone use

In Brazil, the rules for using drones are regulated by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), the Department of Air Space Control (DECEA), and the National Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL). 

Hire Visi and manage your construction projects from above!

If you are facing challenges in construction management, it might be the ideal time to consider hiring Visi. Our platform has complete features for site monitoring, such as: AIs, photographic reports, daily work logs (RDOs), 360-degree cameras, live stream, drone capture, and much more!

Request a free demo and revolutionize your construction management!