The name “Drone“ used in the term Drone Structural Inspection was originally derived from the male bee, known for its distinct buzzing sound — deep, and sometimes annoying.
This may have been true for the early versions of drones as well. However, modern drones have evolved significantly, and the buzzing that once defined them is now barely noticeable.
As technology advances, especially in military settings, drones have become invaluable tools for air forces, particularly in missions where manned flight is deemed too risky or complex.
It’s estimated that by 2020, global militaries will have spent $70 billion on drones, recognising their critical role in future conflict resolution and in reducing the reliance on human pilots.
Beyond military applications, drones are now indispensable in various industries, including farming, agriculture, mining, and heavy industry.
At Yenem, we leverage this technology through Drone Structural Inspection — a method that allows us to access hard-to-reach structures quickly and safely.
Just a few weeks ago, our drone pilot Brad, alongside our Principal Structural Engineer, completed another successful Drone Structural Inspection at the coarse ore bins at CSA mine in Cobar, NSW.
The inspection was completed in a single day, capturing all the necessary data to support structural reporting and modelling efficiently.
So What is a Structural Drone Inspection?
Structural drone inspection involves a certified drone pilot flying a drone around and above a structure from the safety of the ground.
The drone is equipped with a high definition 4k camera, which captures images and video of the entire structure. This gives our engineer with the help of the drone pilot the ability to zoom in and take photos from angles that were previously inaccessible.
The captured images and video are then archived and analysed by our engineers as part of the Drone Structural Inspection report.
That’s Brad, our drone pilot
The photos captured during a Drone Structural Inspection can also be used to produce detailed 3D models of the structures. During the flight — or multiple flights — images are taken at set intervals.
These images are then compiled through software to produce a highly detailed and measurable model. This model forms the basis of our report – an interactive experience, not a hundred-page PDF.
Why Do We Perform Structural Inspections With A Drone?
The inspection of structures is often a time-consuming and a difficult task. Particularly with damaged structures, or with hard-to-reach places which can only be inspected by use of conventional methods such as:
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- Abseiling techniques
- The use of EWP
- Suspended crane box
- Scaffolding
Using a drone to inspect such structures, we can accomplish the inspection in significantly less time and without any need of the latter techniques.
Using a drone survey, we can get close and study the cracks and degradation of these bins
Advantages of Drone Inspections
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- Drones minimise the obvious dangers and health risks associated with working at height
- Quick deployment or launch and little to zero downtime for equipment and systems
- High-resolution images from any vantage point and collection of in-depth and higher detail data
- The ability to inspect difficult to reach and hazardous areas
Of course, drones have their disadvantages too. Although drones are convenient to use, they have a short battery life. The average lifespan of its battery is ten to twenty minutes and this represents the biggest challenge facing drone manufacturers currently.
Larger drones can fly up to twenty-five minutes and take around three hours to completely charge the batteries. Besides that, drones are also vulnerable to flying animal attacks and also raise the concerns of privacy invasion.
Opportunities for the commercial application of drones is set to continue to grow exponentially over the next few years. Especially as its data capture method becomes widely adopted in many industrial sectors. Drones are, therefore, ideally suited to carrying out maintenance work, and inspections of tall and unsound structures.
Want to learn more about structural inspections? Click the link below or book a free consult today!
