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Abstract
Drones present numerous advantages in
the construction industry, including enhanced work safety, cost-effectiveness,
and reduced carbon emissions. However, their current limitations must be
addressed to unlock their potential fully. Despite these challenges, the
utility of drones in construction projects is expected to increase
significantly in the future. This study is a valuable resource for construction
managers to familiarize themselves with these emerging technologies and for
researchers to further explore drone applications in construction engineering
management. By embracing drones, construction professionals can embrace their
benefits and stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Keywords
Drones, Work Safety,
Cost-Effectiveness, Carbon Emissions, Construction Engineering Management.
Introduction
Drones come in
various types, including fixed-wing hybrid, single-rotor, and fixed-wing, as
depicted in Figure 1 [1]. Drones, such as quadcopters, offer advantages over
other UAV systems. They are known for their high maneuverability, robustness,
and cost-effectiveness in purchase and maintenance. Drones typically have more
than two rotors and utilize static-pitch blades. Control of the vehicle's
motion is achieved by adjusting the relative speed of each rotor to alter the
thrust and torque produced by them. These drones excel in maneuvering within
small spaces while hovering and can be controlled through various devices like
cell phones, tablets, and computers. Furthermore, they can easily accommodate
additional equipment, such as cameras and communication devices [2].
Consequently, numerous fields are increasingly interested in harnessing the
capabilities of drones for numerous non-military applications [3].
In the modern
construction industry, drones have emerged as an innovative technology with the
potential to enhance construction activities significantly. They offer various
benefits, ranging from observation and inspection to monitoring safe practices,
resulting in time and cost savings, improved quality of work, and reduced
injuries [4].
Despite these advantages, the construction industry has slowly adopted emerging
technologies like drones [5]. Consequently, limited research has focused
on exploring their potential applications in construction engineering and
management compared to other fields. This paper aims to address this gap by
comprehensively investigating the applications of drones, discussing their roles,
and exploring their future potential in construction engineering and
management.