Exploratory Study of Potential Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems for Construction Management Tasks
01 May 2016-Journal of Management in Engineering (American Society of Civil Engineers)-Vol. 32, Iss: 3, pp 05016001-05016001
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an exploratory case study to identify potential applications of visual assets obtained from UAVs for construction management tasks, including project progress monitoring, job site logistics, evaluating safety conditions, and quality inspections among other secondary management tasks.
Abstract: Despite studies exploring potential applications of unmanned aerial systems (UASs), the particular use and value of visual assets (photographs or video) collected with UASs for construction management tasks is not well understood. This paper presents an exploratory case study to identify potential applications of visual assets obtained from UASs for construction management tasks. The case study involved the development of a visual assets database from UAS-based images and videos collected during UAS flights at jobsites in the United States and Brazil as well as semi-structured interviews with construction project personnel. The results revealed potential applications of UASs mainly for project progress monitoring, job site logistics, evaluating safety conditions, and quality inspections among other secondary management tasks. In addition, an analysis of costs related to the use of UASs was performed. The main contribution of this case study is a better understanding of the use of UASs for construction management tasks and their regulatory and cost implications.
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01 Jan 2022
4 citations
10 Jun 2018
TL;DR: A novel method to derive the Minimum Required Model for stepwise quality control of a construction assembly using 3D-imaging technologies is proposed for use in the piping industry and saves time by reducing the volume of the required scan to be processed.
Abstract: With the advancements in 3D-imaging technology, new quality control methods can be developed and applied in the construction industry. Strictly stipulated tolerances put contractors under pressure to assure a high level of quality and accuracy. Thus, tolerance control has become imperative in the construction industry. Industrial assemblies are usually fabricated through stepwise processes which are being automated at a rapid pace. New components are added to partially-built assemblies composed of one or more components. Consequently, for each step, geometrical control can be applied to prevent any ongoing deviation from being propagated throughout the completion of the assembly. To do so, an intermediate 3D-model is derived from the initial design CAD file. Utilizing the Minimum Required Model (MRM) as opposed to the whole model enables easier quality control when using a 3D-imaging device and makes the control of the orientation and alignment faster, more accurate, easier and safer. This paper proposes a novel method to derive the MRM for stepwise quality control of a construction assembly using 3D-imaging technologies. Developed for use in the piping industry, the method uses the complete 3D-model and the Piping Component File (PCF), which includes the overall assembly in a generic text file format, to reduce the boundaries of the model based on the step currently being assembled. This process saves time by reducing the volume of the required scan to be processed and is more accurate than using manual tools for measuring the alignment. The algorithm for the derivation of the MRM is evaluated on 95 different scenarios and the results are compared in terms of reduced level of complexity and reduced principal length.
4 citations
Cites background from "Exploratory Study of Potential Appl..."
...Other uses include and are not limited to project tracking, quality inspection, and safety inspection (Irizarry and Costa 2016)....
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01 Dec 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the widespread adoption of automated materials locating and tracking technologies (AMLTTs) in the construction supply chain can positively impact productivity in industrial construction projects. P...
Abstract: The widespread adoption of automated materials locating and tracking technologies (AMLTTs) in the construction supply chain can positively impact productivity in industrial construction projects. P...
3 citations
18 Aug 2020
TL;DR: The research results showed the technical feasibility of detection of cracks by DIP techniques, however, the main limitation for this purpose is the lack of a dataset of images of pathological manifestations in facades publicly available, restricting the computer learning process and consequently compromising the recognition capacity.
Abstract: In the diagnosis phase of pathological manifestations in facades, the visual inspection stage deserves special attention due to its inherent complexity (height, size, access difficulties and exposure conditions). In recent years, the use of deep learning techniques to detect and classify specific features in images and videos has been increasing, which when combined with the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for capturing images, is a potential useful tool that can assist and automate the visual inspection procedure of facades. This paper aimed to perform the analysis of Digital Image Processing (DIP) for automatic detection of cracks in building ceramic tiles, associated with UAV, which would potentially result in benefits (time, cost and safety) with respect to diagnosis. Thus, the research results showed the technical feasibility of detection of cracks by DIP techniques, however, the main limitation for this purpose is the lack of a dataset of images of pathological manifestations in facades publicly available, restricting the computer learning process and consequently compromising the recognition capacity. Still, the project was able to develop a simple and efficient methodology to what was proposed.
3 citations
TL;DR: It is found with high predictive accuracy that digital technologies such as computer-based software, BIM, mobile devices, electronic meeting tools, cloud computing, augmented and virtual realities will significantly impact the overall success of VM practices.
Abstract: In the quest to promote constant value for money, value management (VM) has been proposed and adopted within the construction industry of countries across the world. To improve the VM process for a more effective outcome, pervasive digital technologies can be employed throughout a project and in the VM process. However, developing countries like South Africa are still lagging in using these emerging technologies. Therefore, this study assessed the digital technologies that can improve the VM process and the barriers hindering their usage within the construction industry. The study adopted a postpositivism philosophical stance with a questionnaire used to gather quantitative data from construction professionals that have participated in VM exercises within the South African construction industry. The data gathered were analysed using mean item score, standard deviation, the Kruskal-Wallis H-test, multiple linear regression and exploratory factor analysis. The study found with high predictive accuracy that digital technologies such as computer-based software, BIM, mobile devices, electronic meeting tools, cloud computing, augmented and virtual realities will significantly impact the overall success of VM practices. Furthermore, the barriers to the effective deployment of these technologies in the VM process can be categorised into (1) cost and awareness, (2) complexities of the VM and digital tools, (3) the construction industry’s digital culture, and (4) the availability of technology and expertise. This study provides a theoretical backdrop for future studies exploring the use of digital technologies for VM practices—an aspect that has not gained significant attention in VM discourse in the construction industry.
3 citations
References
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TL;DR: A novel control law based on computer vision for quasi-stationary flights above a planar target is presented, which uses the homography matrix computed from the information obtained from the vision system.
427 citations
"Exploratory Study of Potential Appl..." refers background in this paper
...2004), avalanche control (McCormack and Trepanier 2008), aerial assessment of road surface condition (Zhang and Elaksher 2012), bridge inspection (Metni and Hamel 2007; Morgenthal and Hallermann 2014), and safety inspection on jobsites (Irizarry et al....
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Book•
01 Sep 2004
TL;DR: The roots of all Aviation, Cold War, Hot Missions, and Unmanned UAVs Today: A Snapshot future history are explored.
Abstract: Introduction Birth of a Concept The Concept Takes Flight But For One Dissenting Vote Technical Challenge No. 2: Remote Control United Kingdom The Roots of All Aviation Reginald Denny Delbert Fahrney Cold War, Hot Missions Vietnam: The Coming of Age Israel Endeavoring to Endure Unfueled and Unmanned UAVs Today: A SnapshotFuture History Appendix A: Significant Dates in Unmanned Aviation Appendix B: Notable Personalities in Unmanned Aviation Appendix C: Notable Unmanned Aircraft Bibliography
225 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the application of UAVs for visual inspection and damage detection on civil structures is discussed and the properties of such flight systems, the factors influencing their movements and the resulting photo quality is discussed.
Abstract: This paper discusses the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for visual inspection and damage detection on civil structures. The quality of photos and videos taken by using such airborne vehicles is strongly influenced by numerous parameters such as lighting conditions, distance to the object and vehicle motion induced by environmental effects. Whilst such devices feature highly sophisticated sensors and control algorithms, specifically the effects of fluctuating wind speeds and directions affect the vehicle motion. The nature of vehicle movements during photo and video acquisition in turn affect the quality of the data and hence the degree to which damages can be identified. This paper discusses the properties of such flight systems, the factors influencing their movements and the resulting photo quality. Based on the processed data logged by the high precision sensors on the UAV the influences are studied and a method is shown by which the damage assessment quality may be quantified.
219 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this study, a small-scale aerial drone was used as a tool for exploring potential benefits to safety managers within the construction jobsite and recommendations for the required features of an Ideal Safety Inspection Drone were led.
Abstract: SUMMARY: The construction industry lags behind many others in the rate of adoption of cutting edge technologies In the area of safety management this is more so Many advances in information technology could provide great benefits to this important aspect of construction operations Innovative use of these tools could result in safer jobsites This paper discusses initial application of drone technology in the construction industry In this study, a small-scale aerial drone was used as a tool for exploring potential benefits to safety managers within the construction jobsite This drone is an aerial quadricopter that can be piloted remotely using a smart phone, tablet device or a computer Since the drone is equipped with video cameras, it can provide safety managers with fast access to images as well as real time videos from a range of locations around the jobsite An expert analysis (heuristic evaluation) as well as a user participation analysis were performed on said quadricopter to determine the features of an ideal safety inspection drone The heuristic evaluation uncovered some of the user interface problems of the drone interface considering the context of the safety inspection The user participation evaluation was performed following a simulated task of counting the number of hardhats viewed through the display of a mobile device in the controlled environment of the lab Considering the task and the controlled variables, this experimental approach revealed that using the drone together with a large-size interface (eg iPad) would be as accurate as having the safety manager with plain view of the jobsite The results of these two evaluations together with previous experience of the authors in the area of safety inspection and drone technology led to recommendations for the required features of an Ideal Safety Inspection Drone Autonomous navigation, vocal interaction, high-resolution cameras, and collaborative user-interface environment are some examples of those features This innovative application of the aerial drone has the potential to improve construction practices and in this case facilitate jobsite safety inspections
205 citations
"Exploratory Study of Potential Appl..." refers background in this paper
...2004), avalanche control (McCormack and Trepanier 2008), aerial assessment of road surface condition (Zhang and Elaksher 2012), bridge inspection (Metni and Hamel 2007; Morgenthal and Hallermann 2014), and safety inspection on jobsites (Irizarry et al. 2012)....
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06 Mar 2004
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe the vision-based control of a small UAV following a road, using only the vision measurements and onboard inertial sensors, using a control strategy stabilizing the aircraft and following the road.
Abstract: This paper describes the vision-based control of a small autonomous aircraft following a road. The computer vision system detects natural features of the scene and tracks the roadway in order to determine relative yaw and lateral displacement between the aircraft and the road. Using only the vision measurements and onboard inertial sensors, a control strategy stabilizes the aircraft and follows the road. The road detection and aircraft control strategies have been verified by hardware in the loop (HIL) simulations over long stretches (several kilometers) of straight roads and in conditions of up to 5 m/s of prevailing wind. Hardware experiments have also been conducted using a modified radio-controlled aircraft. Successful road following was demonstrated over an airfield runway under variable lighting and wind conditions. The development of vision-based control strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as the ones presented here, enables complex autonomous missions in environments where typical navigation sensor like GPS are unavailable.
175 citations