Factors hindering the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for construction project monitoring

Abstract

The construction industry has recently adopted modern technology to improve project monitoring and site management. One such technology is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The study’s primary purpose is to identify factors limiting the use of UAVs in project monitoring in the South African construction industry. A qualitative approach was adopted for the study using open-ended interview questions to collect data from 12 professionals purposefully selected from the construction industry. The Excel analytical tool was used to analyse the collected data. The findings reveal that UAV implementation in project monitoring faces various hindrances. These hindrances are associated costs, a lack of trained pilots, regulations on UAV usage, correct software, and permission issues. The study also indicates that project managers are willing to use UAVs in their projects for efficiency; however, these factors have hampered the usage rate. Despite the advantages associated with the use of technology, such as UAVs, in construction project implementation, the construction industry in South Africa lags due to various challenges. These hindering factors thus prevent the industries from benefiting from drone usage to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in project monitoring. This study has identified the multiple factors hindering the application of UAVs for project monitoring and management to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. This will assist the industry players in instituting measures to address these challenges and benefit from the advantages of UAV usage in the project environment.