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

These advanced devices, equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, can transform the way construction projects are planned, monitored, and delivered. Not to mention that they also help avoid high maintenance costs. 

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

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

• The drones in civil construction 

• What are drones used for in civil construction? 

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

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

• Type of drone in construction ideal for each situation

• Sensors for drones very useful in civil construction

• Rules for using drones

• Hire Construct IN and manage your projects remotely

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

We can say that there are various ways to call a drone. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) means unmanned aerial vehicle. The Portuguese abbreviation for UAV is VANT. According to ANAC, the "Drone" is a very common term used by journalists to refer to VANT.

The drones in civil construction 

The 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.

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

What are drones used for in civil construction? 

The drone can be used in various stages of construction: from selecting the suitable location to inspection. 

1. Planning stage

1.1. Selecting the suitable location

With drones, engineers can have a detailed view of accessibility, proximity to transport networks, and regional infrastructure. All of this helps these professionals understand whether the location meets the project's logistical requirements. 

In these images, potential obstacles or access challenges can be observed. This way, it becomes easier to have an idea of what could affect construction and the transportation of equipment and materials.

1.2.  Topographic survey and mapping of construction sites

In topography with drones, aerial images of the construction site are captured in detail. The data collected allow for accurate measurements of distances, elevations, and contours. This is fundamental to create detailed 3D models, perform precise calculations, and establish reference points (geo-referencing) for subsequent mappings.

It is also possible to map the area, i.e., create maps and models of the site in detail. For this, two elements are needed: aerial images generated by the drone and advanced photogrammetry techniques, a method that uses overlapping images to measure and map objects and terrains. 

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

2. Construction phase

2.1. Monitoring of earthworks and leveling 

This resource is crucial for those who want to use resources more efficiently on the construction site. With the help of drones, engineers can have accurate measurements and detailed photos of the site. With this information, it is possible to analyze cut and fill (excavations and embankments), volume calculations, and monitor slopes (land inclinations). 

2.2. Monitoring construction progress on site

Like 360° cameras, drones provide a detailed and real-time view of progress. In fact, one technology complements the other.

They regularly capture aerial images of the construction site, which makes it easier to see the progress of different construction activities. Besides photos and videos, drones can perform photogrammetric surveys, i.e., detailed maps of the land and constructed structures.

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

Communication is also enhanced, as images and data captured by drones can be shared with the entire team. The visual documentation provided improves coordination among different teams and stakeholders, reducing misunderstandings and promoting a shared view of the project status.

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-site. This is because the presence of advanced cameras, sensors, and data processing resources helps identify various problems, such as: 

• Unsafe conditions for workers; 

• Unstable structures;

• Debris;

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

• Among other problems.

We always hope that it never happens, but if an accident occurs, drones can provide a quick aerial view in real-time. They can help teams assess the situation and plan ways to rescue the injured. If this tool has cameras with thermal sensors, it can locate fire hotspots and missing people under debris. 

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

2.4. Delivery and control of materials

In remote or limited access areas, drones can also be used to deliver materials. This is an easier, quicker, and more efficient way. Additionally, it reduces delivery costs. 

Another significant contribution is monitoring stockpiled materials on construction sites. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, drones can fly over the area and capture detailed images of them. With this information, accurate counts of bricks, cement, wood, etc., can be performed.

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

3. Maintenance phase

Drones, equipped with LiDAR technology sensors, can be very useful for identifying problems in structures, such as corrosion, cracks, and deformations. This is possible because this tool can generate quality 3D point cloud data of structures.

When comparing the previous data or reference data, these changes can be visualized. This allows engineers to act proactively to avoid greater deterioration or failures.

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

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

The 360° images, like those generated with the Construct IN platform,  provide a complete view of the construction site. Drones capture the details seen from above. Using these two technologies together allows monitoring all parts of the site, ensuring that no project detail goes unnoticed.

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

The first step is to define the purpose of using the drone. Then, consider 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 operate (including factors such as weather, topography, and obstacles).

Type of drone in construction ideal for each situation

The analysis is based on the type of 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 the need to land: which is great for large-scale topographic survey and mapping projects that require a lot of time in the air;

• Excellent for supervising construction sites;

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

• Wind stability: because of 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 capturing detailed data for creating maps, 3D modeling, and volumetric analysis of construction sites. 

Know the disadvantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Limited maneuverability: they cannot stop in the air or fly in small spaces, making it difficult to inspect tall buildings or tight areas;

• Need a runway for take-off and landing: which can be complicated in areas with little space;

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

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

2. Rotary Wing (Quadcopters or Multirotor Drones)

As they can be operated by a single person, they are a cost-effective solution for supervising construction sites.  

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

• Easy to maneuver and hover in the air: they can move quickly in multiple directions and stop in the air. This is great for closely inspecting tall buildings, complicated structures, and small, tight areas;

• No need for a runway for take-off and landing: this makes them perfect for spaces with limited room, such as tight construction sites;

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

Know the disadvantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

• Cannot fly for long periods: they consume a lot of energy to stay still in the air and to move in different directions. This means that they are not ideal for large projects or monitoring tasks that require long flight times;

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

• Limited speed: generally 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 characteristics of fixed-wing and rotary drones, making them suitable for many tasks;

• Do not require a landing strip, can reach tight spaces, conduct close inspections and cover larger areas;

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

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

Understand the disadvantages of using this type of drone in civil construction: 

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

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

• Not as accessible for small and limited projects: due to their cost and the need for a more trained pilot with knowledge. 

Sensors for drones very useful in civil construction

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

1. RGB Sensors

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

The downside is that in low-light conditions or shaded areas, the 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

This is a sensor model for construction drones that is ideal for generating 3D models of construction sites. The main benefit is accuracy to within a few centimeters, as its technology uses lasers to measure distances. 

This type of sensor emits short pulses of infrared laser light. It reaches the target location or object, and then part of that light returns to the drone sensor. The time between sending and receiving the light is sufficient 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. TI Sensors

These are the construction drones' sensors, commonly known as “thermal”. These tools capture the infrared energy emitted by objects and transform it into a visual image. 

They are widely used to predict heat problems, air leaks, moisture intrusion, structural damage, or cracks in walls, floors, or roofs. 

The downside of this sensor is that it can be sensitive to movements, affecting the quality of images. Furthermore, they have a more restricted field of view compared to other sensors.

4. GPS and RTK Sensors

GPS sensors (Global Positioning System) and RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) 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 assist in tasks such as 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 which can be blocked or weakened by weather conditions, trees, or other factors. 

Rules for using drones

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

Hire Visi and manage your projects remotely

If you are facing challenges in project management, it may be the ideal time to consider hiring the Construct IN platform. 

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