Technology is rapidly changing the methods that are used in construction projects, giving professionals the ability to complete tasks with more efficiency, precision and safety than ever before.
New construction technologies are emerging all the time. One of the most effective – yet possibly one of the most surprising – examples of this is the growing use of drones in demolition surveys.
Drones can be used to support a huge variety of use cases, and their benefits have already proven to be extremely impressive. In fact, they were even recently used to support HS2!
Keep reading to find out more about the latest developments in the use of drones in demolition surveys.
How are drones being used in demolition surveys?
Drones can be used across a wide range of demolition activities, helping project managers and their teams to gather information quickly, safely, and accurately.
Some of the main applications for this technology include:
Pre-demolition surveys
This involves assessing the condition of a structure, before it is taken down. This is an essential step in a demolition project. With drones, detailed aerial imagery can be captured, and the technology can even create 3D models of buildings. That way, demolition teams can identify any potential issues or hazards during the planning phase, before work starts.
Dilapidation surveys
This involves assessing the condition of existing nearby structures, which could be affected by the demolition work. With drones, these surveys can take place without the need for slow and costly scaffolding and manual inspections.
Confined space and hazardous area inspections
Often in these types of projects, structures contain difficult or dangerous areas for teams to access (e.g. unstable sections of the building). Drones can be used in these spaces, to gather key information, without putting any workers at risk.
3D modelling
More advanced drone technologies can be used to gather the data that is needed to create 3D models. These models can be used for a wide range of purposes, including volumetric measurements (e.g. measuring the volume of any removed materials).
Tracking demolition progress
Drones can also be used to monitor the progress of a demolition project throughout, including recording what has been done so far, and checking that high safety standards are being maintained.
Documentation and compliance
With drone imagery, project managers can easily gather a complete visual record of the site conditions at various stages during the demolition project. This is a great way to maintain strong record-keeping and regulatory compliance.
The advantages of using drones in demolition
The benefits of using drones in demolition surveys are impressive and far-reaching. Key points include:
- Significantly improved safety standards for workers
- Removing the need for workers to operate in dangerous conditions, such as around unstable structures
- Dramatic time savings (reducing surveys from days to a matter of hours)
- Saving costs, as the need for scaffolding, plant hire and large survey teams are alleviated
- Greater accuracy, with detailed imagery
- Lower risk of human error
- Allowing projects to run more smoothly
- Improved data and information gathering, management and documentation
Drone innovation in HS2
The recent HS2 project is a pioneering example of how drones are being used to transform demolition projects.
During preparatory enabling works, drones were used to conduct pre-demolition surveys, dilapidation surveys and shaft inspections.
- In a dilapidation survey of a 300-metre-long brick railway cutting, three drones were used to take 5,500 high-resolution images, in just 1.5 hours. Manually, this would have taken several days to achieve.
- Drones were flown into confined spaces (including basements with asbestos risks), eliminating the need for manual entry.
- HS2 also achieved significant cost savings, as they didn’t require scaffolding, plant hire or large inspection teams.
- The project also used 3D models, to support project planning and safety.
As you can see, drones were used during the HS2 project to shorten the timeline, keep costs down, and markedly improve safety standards.
At DTE Demolition, we pride ourselves on our use of the very latest technologies, including drones.
With our highly experienced team, and use of industry leading equipment, you can count on us to complete projects to the highest standards of safety, precision and efficiency.
To find out more, or to receive a quote for your site demolition, don’t hesitate to get in touch.