This era of exponential technological advancement has sparked vast progression in the construction industry. For industry leaders like Sahel Majali, age-old questions of how to streamline construction processes have largely been solved by the advent of modern technology, with BIM and virtual reality enabling forward-thinking construction companies like the Mid Group to complete projects faster, to a better standard, at lower cost, and all with improved safety.

This article looks at drone technology, its current applications, and how it could be used to expand emerging markets in African construction.

How Are Drones Used in Construction?

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) as they are also known, have a variety of different applications in construction. They offer many key advantages, capturing real-time imagery of a construction site. Drones can be implemented for marketing purposes, and to improve communication and safety.

Some construction companies now use drones for site inspections, negating the need for project managers to attend the construction site, which can be complicated, busy and dangerous at times. Using drone technology enables teams to carry out inspections quickly and effectively, meaning that larger areas can be covered more frequently.

Drone technology is often implemented by construction companies to undertake building surveys. Most surveys require inspection of the roof area to assess its condition and identify any defects. To inspect this in person is notoriously time consuming and costly, requiring the installation of scaffolding so the surveyor can access the roof safely. Using a small drone has vast benefits in terms of saving time and money, not to mention eliminating the inherent health and safety risks.

Drones can be incredibly useful in a number of other important processes in construction projects, including:

• Maintenance inspections
• Health and safety inductions
• Project progress reports
• Thermal image recording
• Virtual walkarounds
• Producing promotional photography
• Laser scanning,
• Site logistics planning

Drone Technology in the African Construction Industry

Experts predict that drones could lead to rapid advancement of the African construction industry, largely thanks to the lack of limitation of their use in many African countries. They offer a number of key benefits to the African market, from monitoring project progress and security patrols, to delivery of small items.

As Chairman and CEO of the Mid Group, South East England’s fastest-growing construction company, Sahel Majali recognises the vast potential of digital technologies in construction, both within the UK and internationally.