Using drones in civil engineering: Applications and benefits

1- Design and study phase

Drones can be used to carry out precise topographical surveys of civil engineering construction sites. Equipped with GNSS sensors and using photogrammetry, drones can collect detailed data on the topography of a site, without the need for manual intervention in the field. This precise data serves as the basis for project design and informed decision-making. What's more, by using drones equipped with LiDAR sensors, it is possible to obtain dense point clouds, ideal for 3D modeling and detecting variations in the terrain.

2 – Construction and site supervision phase

Drones offer an unrivalled aerial perspective for monitoring civil engineering sites. They can capture regular aerial images, providing an up-to-date overview of site conditions. Thanks to these images, engineers and project managers can compare actual progress against plans, detect deviations and take swift corrective action where necessary. Drones can also be used to inspect high-rise or hard-to-reach structures, such as bridges and tunnels, providing precise visual data to detect defects and potential damage.

3 - Operation and maintenance phase

Once civil engineering projects have been completed, drones can be used for infrastructure monitoring and maintenance. They can carry out regular inspections of structures such as bridges, dams and railroads, collecting visual data to detect signs of degradation, corrosion or wear. These regular inspections enable problems to be identified quickly and preventive maintenance measures to be put in place, helping to extend the life of infrastructures and ensure their safety. In this context, the use of a drone-equipped thermal imaging camera can be a relevant response to the need. By detecting and visualizing temperature variations, it is possible to spot hot spots indicating overheating in electrical or mechanical systems, as well as cold spots revealing problems with insulation or heat loss.

Tracking changes in thermal condition over time makes it easier to plan maintenance work and monitor corrective actions.

Advantages of using drones in civil engineering :

Improved safety

Drones can perform potentially dangerous tasks, such as inspecting structures at height, thus reducing the risk to workers in the field. What's more, by equipping a drone with a thermal camera, it is possible to detect and visualize temperature variations, thus improving the preventive maintenance of civil engineering infrastructures, such as identifying hot spots or cold zones that may indicate potential problems.

Time-saving and efficient

Drones enable rapid surveys, inspections and site surveillance, covering vast areas in record time.

Cost reduction

The use of drones reduces the cost of renting special equipment, and cuts worksite times thanks to their speed of execution.

Precise data collection

The drones are equipped with high-resolution sensors and cameras, enabling them to collect detailed data with centimetric precision.

Versatility and adaptability

The drones can be fitted with various accessories and sensors, adapted to the specific needs of each project.

Promoting innovation and sustainable development

As part of the search for innovative, environmentally-friendly solutions, some drones can be equipped with multispectral sensors to analyze the environmental impact of a construction project and identify best practices for limiting energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and disturbance to flora and fauna.

Conclusion

An essential step forward for the civil engineering sector

The use of drones in the Civil Engineering sector offers many advantages, such as improved safety, time savings, reduced costs and accurate data collection. Drones offer a unique aerial perspective, enabling Civil Engineering professionals to make informed decisions, monitor projects and ensure the quality of the infrastructure built. By combining innovation and expertise, the use of drones in Civil Engineering is opening up new possibilities and helping to transform the sector towards a more efficient and sustainable approach.

FAQ

• What is the legal framework for using drones in civil engineering?

Drones are considered to be aircraft and are governed by civil aviation regulations. It is important to comply with current laws and regulations, such as registering drones, obtaining flight authorizations and respecting airspace restrictions.

• What are the safety advantages of using drones in the civil engineering sector?

Drones can perform potentially dangerous tasks in place of workers, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. They enable inspection of hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, assessing environmental risks and ensuring constant surveillance of construction sites.

• What are the costs associated with using drones in civil engineering?

Costs can vary depending on factors such as drone size and performance, sensors used, staff training and insurance. It's important to take into account the costs of purchase, maintenance, training, insurance and equipment renewal when planning your budget.

• What external constraints could hamper the use of drones in civil engineering?

External constraints include adverse weather conditions, airspace restrictions, potential electromagnetic interference and the availability of the skills needed to pilot and operate drones safely and efficiently.

• How can drones improve productivity in the civil engineering sector?

Drones make it possible to carry out topographical surveys more quickly and with greater precision, facilitating project planning. They also enable more efficient monitoring of worksites, reducing lead times and improving coordination between different teams.

• How can the data collected by drones be integrated into existing work processes?

The data collected by drones can be used in a variety of software applications, including 3D modeling, mapping, project management and construction monitoring. This data can be integrated into existing systems, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software and digital mock-ups.

• What are the advantages of using drones over traditional methods in civil engineering?

Drones offer a unique aerial perspective, enabling data to be collected faster, with greater accuracy and extended coverage. They also reduce risks to workers, improve productivity, cut operating costs and facilitate decision-making based on accurate visual data.

• What new technologies could impact the use of drones in civil engineering in the future?

Technological advances such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, augmented reality and more advanced sensors will open up new possibilities for the use of drones in Civil Engineering. These technologies can improve survey accuracy, facilitate automatic defect detection and optimize project management.