The fusion of BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology with drones has revolutionised how civil engineering projects are managed. This integration allows more precise, effective and agile data collection and management. Here I explain how this pairing is transforming the sector and what advantages it brings for engineering professionals.
The synergy between BIM and drones in construction
By joining two technological tools such as BIM and drones, we are seeing significant changes in the monitoring and development of civil engineering projects. BIM is an approach based on intelligent 3D models, which offers an accurate and detailed representation of all phases of construction. Drones, for their part, make it easier to capture aerial data by providing high-resolution images and video. This combination results in a more efficient and thoroughly documented process.
How do drones contribute to the BIM process?
Drones add an extra layer of valuable information to the BIM model by being able to fly over the construction site and obtain images of hard-to-reach places. This allows the models to be fed with constantly updated data. Design and construction teams can thus immediately access aerial views and highly accurate measurements.
In France, to mention a practical case, a company specialising in motorway construction has used this combined technology to continuously monitor project progress and adjust plans on the fly. This not only speeds up decision-making, it considerably reduces the margin for human error.
What benefits are being seen in civil engineering?
Adopting BIM technology together with drones brings multiple advantages to the civil engineering sector. On the one hand, accuracy is greatly improved, as capturing data from the air reduces the chances of human error. In addition, thanks to the automation of supervision and data-collection tasks, there is a considerable saving of time and resources. In terms of safety, the reduced need for climbers and workers in difficult areas helps reduce accidents and risks.
Recent studies have shown that projects using this combination cut delivery times by 20%, which means an important competitive advantage in the sector.
Technical and regulatory aspects in Spain
In Spain, regulation around the use of drones and BIM in construction is also evolving. According to Royal Decree 1036/2017, which regulates the use of remotely piloted aircraft, it is crucial to obtain specific authorisations and follow the established control parameters for operations that require flights in urban areas or near airports.
Likewise, the use of BIM in the public sector is increasingly required. Under Law 9/2017 on Public Sector Contracts, it is expected that, progressively, large-scale projects commissioned by the Spanish government will use this methodology to ensure transparency and effectiveness in tenders.
Success stories with BIM and drones in international projects
Internationally, several projects have already shown how synchronising drones and BIM can be a resounding success. One notable case is the construction of the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia, where drones are used to carry out periodic inspections at height, delivering accurate and up-to-date data to the BIM team. This not only makes it possible to track progress, it also keeps a detailed historical record of the work.
In Australia too, a rail infrastructure company has managed to optimise its maintenance work through these combined methods. With drones flying over the rail sections and BIM analysing the data, the time taken to identify and solve problems has been notably reduced.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can any type of drone be used in construction combined with BIM?
Not all drones are suitable. The models chosen for this task must have high-resolution cameras and LIDAR technology to capture accurate and detailed data.
What are the challenges of integrating BIM with drones?
Aligning data in real time and ensuring proper training of staff to interpret the information correctly are some of the challenges.
Is the investment in this technology justified?
Yes, the benefits in accuracy, time savings and safety justify this investment for large projects, although on smaller projects it can also have a relevant impact.
Is it necessary to follow specific regulations to use drones in construction projects?
Of course! In many countries, including Spain, regulations on drone use are very strict, so it is always important to stay aware of local regulations.
