Drones play a vital role in civil engineering at Taylor Engineering: Learn how these unmanned aerial vehicles contribute to the protection and conservation of coastal regions.
In the sun-kissed state of Florida, a civil engineering firm named Taylor Engineering is making waves in the industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology in their projects. Founded by William Warren, the firm's Staff Geologist and Remote Sensing Practice Area Leader, Taylor Engineering's drone program began in 2017, making them pioneers in this field.
One of the key projects that benefited from this innovative approach was the Norriego Point Restoration Project. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was the client for this significant undertaking, which aimed to restore Norriego Point in Destin, Florida using material dredged from adjacent navigation channels. Drones were instrumental in documenting the project's progress, providing before and after images that showcased the restoration's impact.
The Norriego Point Restoration Project resulted in restored channels for safer navigation and added storm protection for Destin Harbor. This project is a testament to the potential of drone technology in civil engineering, demonstrating its ability to transform not just construction sites, but also the environment.
Another project that Taylor Engineering undertook was the DU-2 Offloading Project, commissioned by the Florida Inland Navigation District. The aim of this project was to monitor the offloading of dredged sediments in Duval County, Florida. Drones were employed to monitor the contractor's offloading progress and to document pre- and post-offloading site conditions. Orthomosaics were created from aerial images to monitor the volume of material removed from the site, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Taylor Engineering's drone fleet primarily consists of DJI Phantom 4 Pro drones, which they have found to be reliable and versatile. These drones have been used in various civil engineering projects, including monitoring progress, site mapping, and even creating marketing materials. Aerial shots were taken for the DU-2 Offloading Project to track the project internally and provide clear updates to the client.
The firm's commitment to drone technology is evident in their training programs for remote pilots within a Remote Sensing Practice Area. Since the establishment of their drone program, the number of FAA certified pilots on Taylor Engineering's team has grown from one to eight.
In addition to traditional uses such as construction and agriculture, drones have found a home in advanced surveying, infrastructure asset management, environmental monitoring, and urban development support roles. Drones equipped with LiDAR and EO/IR sensors perform long-range monitoring of power lines, pipelines, railways, and highways. They help detect sagging wires, monitor for pipeline leaks or corrosion, and conduct railway and roadway surveys without disrupting operations.
Moreover, AI-powered drones autonomously scan large infrastructure assets for real-time defect recognition, predictive maintenance, and risk categorization. This accelerates decision-making and reduces costs related to infrastructure failures or downtime. Drones also contribute to smart city development by providing detailed and up-to-date geospatial information useful for urban planning and infrastructure management.
Taylor Engineering's use of drones extends beyond project progress tracking and documentation. For instance, an aerial shot and an elevation map were created from drone data for the Fort Pierce Shore Protection Project. Drones were also used to provide progress aerials for this project, which were used internally and for updates to the client, the St. Lucie County Erosion District.
In conclusion, Taylor Engineering's embrace of drone technology is revolutionising the civil engineering industry. By leveraging drones for advanced surveying, infrastructure asset management, environmental monitoring, and urban development support, they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this field. The integration of AI and LiDAR technologies further expands their capabilities for efficient, accurate, and safe civil engineering workflows.
- Taylor Engineering's drone program, initiated in 2017, has made them pioneers in the industry, as demonstrated in projects like the Norriego Point Restoration Project.
- Drones were instrumental in documenting the progress of the Norriego Point Restoration Project, providing before and after images that showcased the restoration's impact.
- The DU-2 Offloading Project, commissioned by the Florida Inland Navigation District, utilized drones to monitor the offloading progress and document pre- and post-offloading site conditions.
- Taylor Engineering's drone fleet consists primarily of DJI Phantom 4 Pro drones, which they have found to be reliable and versatile for various civil engineering projects.
- As part of their commitment to drone technology, Taylor Engineering has a training program for remote pilots within a Remote Sensing Practice Area, resulting in an increase from one to eight FAA certified pilots on their team.
- Beyond traditional uses, drones equipped with LiDAR and EO/IR sensors perform long-range monitoring of infrastructure assets for real-time defect recognition, predictive maintenance, and risk categorization, contributing to smart city development.
