Investigation of the Use of Drones by Construction Professionals in Addressing Built Environment Tasks

Abstract

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), also called a drone, has been gaining attention globally to solve different tasks. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness and level of adoption of these types of drones by building professionals and the factors limiting their use in the built environment. The study was carried out in Lagos State, in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Data for this research were collected from primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was obtained by administering a questionnaire to the selected building industry professionals, and the collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results showed that structure inspection and photography are the most rated features of drones in addressing built environment tasks, with a mean score (MS) of 4.50, and security surveillance (MS = 3.86) is the least important feature. The level of adoption of drones in addressing built environment tasks was assessed among the professionals, and the results showed that the practice of an emergency response plan and a health and safety plan to reduce the risk of harm and ensure safety on site is considered to be the most important task. The study found that the fixed-wing hybrid drone with an MS of 1.97 is the most commonly used drone type. Lastly, the study showed that lack of public awareness (MS = 4.81) is rated as the most significant factor that limits its use. Few professionals have practically used drones to solve tasks faced in the building industry. Thus, there is a need to further sensitize built environment professionals to the benefits associated with its wider adoption and applications. Also, the importance of drones and their associated managerial and practical implications in solving relevant built environment tasks can be initiated by deepening their relevance in the curriculum of building industry programs at the professional and academic levels.