Use of drones in Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Drone Technology and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Drone technology is primarily used in Building Information Modeling (BIM) to capture and analyze detailed photos, videos and laser scans of a construction site - a process known as reality capture. Through this process, architects and building designers can ensure a building fits within its contextual environment, identify potential structural challenges, and track project progress. BIM design software, on the other hand, creates accurate 3D models of buildings from reality capture data, allowing architects to plan a project from start to finish. BIM software features and tools vary from brand to brand. However, most building information modeling (BIM) software solutions include the ability for project teams to collaborate in the cloud,

After analyzing images and scans from a drone flight, BIM construction technology provides the project team with an even better understanding of the scope and context of the project. Essentially, drones take on the role of data providers to the BIM design software, gathering information about the existing site conditions to ensure that the 3D digital model created with the BIM software is as accurate as possible.

What are BIM objects in 3D modeling?

BIM objects are the building blocks of 3D modeling in Building Information Modeling. BIM modelers can drag and drop BIM objects from an extensive library and create a virtual model from them. BIM objects mimic real objects not only dimensionally but also functionally.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a constant and iterative process. This ability to capture information can be incredibly powerful, preventing design changes and reducing the likelihood of design disputes and litigation.

Using 3D modeling of building information, it is possible to develop the optimal design first time with any system required to complete permits. The ability to access manufacturer-specified product information allows for better collaboration between the designer and manufacturer and greatly assists in model optimization.

How does drone flight improve 3D modeling in BIM?

Drone flights are becoming increasingly important in all areas of the construction industry. The use of drones in construction has skyrocketed in recent years for engineers, contractors and surveyors alike. The advantage here is that a drone can not only take pictures, but also carry out measurements based on pictures or photogrammetry.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a visualization of the size, scale, and functionality of all systems in a building. A drone uses this computer-aided design and overlays realistic lifelike 3D models to ensure accurate construction to plan specifications.

From the start of a project, drone flight is used in BIM for a permanent record of construction work, in addition to remote viewing and compliance verification. The drone flight is not only excellently suited to ensure the completion and quality of the work, it also helps in a precise manner throughout the entire construction cycle. When the project begins and surveys need to be taken, drone flight is used to get accurate measurements and understand exactly where to lay the foundation and where the property lines end.

A construction drone flight is also used to measure the amount of cut and fill to create a level foundation. Based on this, drones can help to create a realistic 3D model using photogrammetry software.

Surveying by drone flight

When GPS came out, surveyors were the last to adopt the new technology. Today, on the other hand, modern construction sites depend on aerial insights from drone flights. The modern drone is capable of capturing survey-grade GPS data and combining that data with imagery to create survey-grade plans and maps. A drone used for surveying can collect survey data directly on site, process it on site and communicate with autonomously driving bulldozers and excavators.

Construction simulation through 3D modeling in BIM

Once construction has begun, realistic 3D models can be created by drone flight, allowing contractors and engineers to simulate real-world conditions and check future and existing developments. Building Information Modeling (BIM) allows them to view the internal environment as well as the external environment of construction projects in one seamless workflow.

For example, they can use 3D modeling to quickly determine if a building meets designed energy efficiency standards. With the help of the BIM documentation, it is possible to display on one screen which sub-projects have been planned and completed. 3D modeling in Building Information Modeling (BIM) even allows engineers to test new materials and their impact on the construction project and its environment.

Site planning and security through Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Aerial footage from a drone can help plan a site layout to ensure safe and efficient construction operations. 3D modeling created using a drone helps civil engineers coordinate the placement of equipment, personnel and key raw materials.

Drone flights and Building Information Modeling (BIM) also make it easier to inspect raw materials, aggregates and more. 3D modeling displays volumetric measurements to show how much material is needed at a given location, how much has been used, and material costs. This process is significantly faster and more efficient than manual measurements previously used.

BIM to monitor construction progress

Precise systems and defined processes are applied to create an information-rich BIM model and realistic 3D modelling. Implementing building information modeling also requires extensive on-site and managerial staff training.

Companies use RFID tags to model construction progress. The entire project has to be broken down into tiny units or sub-components, each with an RFID tag. In this way, even the smallest task can be closely monitored by a site manager using a drone.

When reading an RFID tag with a drone, a construction manager can instantly access the following information:

o Date of manufacture

o Shipping date

o Installation Date

o Product information provided by the manufacturer

When site managers and engineers have instant access to manufacturer-specified product information at all times, the likelihood of costly change orders is greatly reduced.

Efficient progress monitoring through Building Information Modeling (BIM) and drone flights

For prefabricated structures, thanks to BIM models and drone flights, progress monitoring can begin much earlier in the fabrication phase itself. Once a structure has been manufactured and transported to site, its movement can be closely monitored using a drone. Once a structure is installed on site, this progress can be documented in a central BIM information system.

For on-site processes such as fabrication and concreting, the completion of a task can be documented in real time in the BIM information system. Previously, project managers and their teams used card readers attached to iPads, smartphones, or tablets to document the progress of their project. With the help of the drone, this time-consuming process can be replaced with a more efficient process. In addition, a drone can be equipped with drone speakers, for example, which the site manager can use to easily communicate with the construction team.

Construction Marketing and Hyperlapses in Building Information Modeling

If 3D modeling created by a drone is regularly updated, drone pilots can create video motions around these models to construct a hyperlapse of the project area. This hyperlapse is an animated time-lapse that depicts the processes on the construction site and can be used effectively in construction marketing. Instead of lifeless marketing photos, these drone-created animated time-lapses are now being used more and more to market services. Creating a time-lapse for presenting a project to potential investors does not require a BIM model, but it does require extensive knowledge of drone mapping and 3D structured meshes.

Areas of application of the drone in facility management

After completing the project, using a drone is extremely useful and time efficient to conduct construction inspections. Drones with zoom and thermal imaging cameras help to gain better insights. Inspection data can be entered online, allowing stakeholders to access data remotely at the push of a button. Thermal imaging cameras can even image machines that may or may not be working properly.