Since the late 1970s, building information modeling (BIM) software has been improving construction workflows enormously. The technology allows architects, engineers, and contractors to collaborate on building large structures in real-time.
Now, drone technology has taken BIM a step further. Drones can collect high-quality interior and exterior building data that is then uploaded to BIM software to help create an even more accurate 3D model. Drones’ ability to capture frequent aerial data and close-ups of inaccessible areas gives construction teams a valuable new perspective.
In this article, we’ll go over the general role of BIM in construction, how construction drones are enhancing BIM processes, and what the future of drone usage in BIM looks like.
Table of Contents
The Role of BIM in the Construction Industry
BIM software generates multi-layered 3D building models to aid in every phase of construction, be it the design, construction, or operation of a building.
BIM models show multiple layers of a building, including its walls, insulation, plumbing, electrical wiring, and so on. Combining these layers into one shareable document allows everyone involved in the construction to collaborate with each other.
For example, if an extra wall is added to the building, the BIM model will update automatically so that the electrical team knows where to run more wires. As long as the BIM model is synced to the cloud, everyone can stay up to date and adjust their work accordingly.
Having a live BIM model like this streamlines construction from start to finish. It provides more efficient planning in the design phase, active monitoring in the construction phase, a final record for the closeout phase, and a comprehensive map of the building in the operation phase.
Without BIM, construction teams risk miscommunicating and making costly errors that could lead to serious project setbacks and even accidents.
How Drone Technology is Enhancing BIM Processes
Drones are further improving construction by acting as a high-end data supplier for BIM software. Here’s how:
When you equip drones with high-end LiDAR lasers, you can map out the entire shape of a building from above within millimeter levels of accuracy. LiDAR stands for light detection and ranging and uses pulsing laser beams to measure exact distances to the earth. Think of it like sonar for the air.
After collecting sufficient LiDAR data on a building, you can process the data with photogrammetry software to generate a 3D point cloud. Point clouds are digital representations of physical spaces made out of millions of points, each with its unique set of coordinates that correlate with geographic positions.
Drone point clouds are invaluable for enhancing BIM models at every phase of the construction process:
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT droneS? START HERE.
Design and Planning Phase
During the design and planning phase, drone point clouds can help create a 3D mesh model of a building’s foundation. And they can perform land surveys to measure property boundaries and elevations before construction even begins. That way, you have a solid basis for your BIM model moving forward.
Having precise geographic data from the start is essential for creating an intelligent BIM model that can react to changes over time. So performing a detailed land survey via drone is the perfect way to ensure efficient planning.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
Construction Phase
Once construction begins, drones can provide real-time feedback to predict potential issues from conflicting elements in the building design.
First, you’ll need to program a custom flight path for the drone to fly at regular intervals during construction. Use a drone mapping software like DroneDeploy, PIX4D, or similar applications to help with this.
You’ll want to map out a route that goes over the construction site in overlapping criss-cross patterns to be thorough. That way, you get a large amount of data to cover every angle.
Next, upload the data to your BIM software to create a 3D rendering of the building as it currently stands. You can then overlay the as-is drone image with the original computer-aided design (CAD) to detect any discrepancies between the two images. This allows you to make an informed decision on whether to fix the discrepancy before moving forward or to simply reconfigure the design.
“Daily scanning allows you to spot problems as they happen so you can either fix it or, if it’s not a big deal, model it for the next guy who comes so he won’t make a mistake.”
- Chris Anderson, CEO of 3DR
In other words, the drone data helps keep the BIM up to date so the construction phase runs more smoothly. It helps all team members see design changes in real-time so that they can stay on the same page. For example, a drone can update the shared BIM model as soon as a roof is finished to give contractors the go-ahead to install insulation. By keeping the BIM model current, drones help streamline workflows.
On top of that, drones provide active monitoring of the building design that helps prevent costly and even dangerous interferences between various contractors. For example, a painter can avoid an electrocution accident by referencing the BIM model to verify the electrical work in a wall is complete. So drones also boost worker safety.
Closeout Phase
Drone-enabled BIM models also create a permanent record of the building that can help in commissioning inspections and compliance reviews. With a detailed time-lapse record of every component of the building, it’s easier for the building to pass with flying colors.
The comprehensive drone footage of the building’s interior and exterior also gives all stakeholders a chance to sign off on the project. And it provides excellent marketing material for the building owner to share with prospective tenants or clients.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT droneS? START HERE.
Operations Phase
The drone BIM model is also crucial to operating and maintaining the building once it’s finished. After all, ownership and facility management rarely stay the same over the lifespan of a building, so having a permanent record of all the building’s internal and external workings is a huge asset.
After construction is complete, you can hand over the BIM model to the client. They can then use it to better manage and maintain the property. For example, if there’s ever a water leak, the plumber can reference the BIM model to quickly identify the most probable locations of the leak.
Plus, you can continue to update the BIM model whenever you perform any maintenance work. That way, you keep a current record of repairs, installations, and so on and who performed them—a valuable archive of data.
The Future of Drone Usage in BIM
So what’s the future look like for using drones in BIM? In a word: bright.
The global market for BIM in construction is expected to reach over $7.5 billion in 2027. That’s up from $2.5 billion in 2019, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% between 2020 and 2027. And it’s no surprise when you consider all the benefits of using drones on construction projects.
When it comes to BIM, drones save you time and money by dramatically reducing the chance of design errors with high-quality LiDAR data. This allows you to optimize workflows at every stage of construction and get ahead of your competition.
Plus, drone BIM is constantly improving. One innovation to look forward to is the integration of BIM models with virtual reality (VR). By rendering the BIM model as a VR space, you can create a 3D walk-through experience for project managers, workers, and other stakeholders. This makes detecting clashing design elements and improving wayfinding that much easier. And you can do it all before you even start site work!
If you want to level up your construction operations, consider investing in drone BIM now! The Drone Life offers comprehensive drone construction services, including mapping, progress monitoring, aerial inspections, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
