An Industry Focused Course to Address Barriers and Benefits of Drones in Construction

9 pages•Published: June 9, 2021

Abstract

Since the release of CFR Title 14, Part 107 in 2016, the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems or drones, has significantly increased in the construction industry. This paper discusses the results of a survey of over 50 construction professionals with the goal of better understanding how drones are used, the perceived benefits and barriers, and how an Applied Drone Technology course offered through Clemson University address those barriers. The survey found that over 80% of the respondents used drones for progress photos and marketing. However, less than 10% use drones for thermal imaging, quantity take-offs, safety, and quality control overlays. The respondents indicated that the most significant benefits of drone use were to provide improved documentation, the perception by their clients and communication. The lowest perceived value was related to increasing efficiency, safety, cost control, and BIM modeling. The most significant barriers to using drones included earning an FAA remote pilot certificate, uncertainty about regulations, the liability of drone operation, and the lack of flight skills. Each of those barriers is addressed in the drone course and evaluated favorably by the contractor group.

Keyphrases: curriculum, drones, uas

In: Tom Leathem, Anthony Perrenoud and Wesley Collins (editors). ASC 2021. 57th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 2, pages 210-218.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/qQRk
	https://doi.org/10.29007/z92v