Exploring the Utilisation of Drone Technology in Construction: Insights and Practices Within the Sarawak Region

Authors

  • Ervina Donnis Mirecont Sdn Bhd. Jalan Stutong 93350 Kuching, Sarawak
  • Mohamad Nidzam Rahmat School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, College of Built Environment. Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22i1.977

Keywords:

Drone technology, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Construction technology, Construction stages, Aerial inspection

Abstract

This study evaluates the application of drone technology in the construction industry, particularly in the Sarawak vicinity. Using a quantitative methodology, data were collected via a survey targeting construction professionals. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents are familiar with drone technology, with engineers being the primary users. Drones are utilised across various construction stages for tasks such as monitoring and inspection, preventing project delays, mapping, and compliance with safety regulations. The study also highlights several challenges, including weather limitations, battery life, security concerns, and operational complexity. Despite these challenges, drones offer significant advantages such as ease of control, immediate inspection capabilities, high-quality data collection, and enhanced worker safety. 74% of respondents acknowledged the ease of drone deployment, 80% noted their flexibility, 92% appreciated their ability to capture high-quality images, and 86% valued remote site access. The research concludes that while drone technology is recognised and utilised in the construction industry, further efforts are needed to promote its broader adoption through training and budget allocation for drone management.

Author Biographies

Ervina Donnis, Mirecont Sdn Bhd. Jalan Stutong 93350 Kuching, Sarawak

Ervina Donnis, Construcion Manager in Mirecont Sdn Bhd. Kuching Sarawak. She was a former student supervised by Professor Dr Mohamad Nidzam Rahmat in Bachelor of Science (Hons) Construction Management, College of Built Environment, UiTM Shah Alam.

Mohamad Nidzam Rahmat, School of Construction and Quantity Surveying, College of Built Environment. Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam.

Mohamad Nidzam Rahmat, a Professor in Construction Management, teaches the post graduate and undergraduate student in the College of Built Environment UiTM Shah Alam. He can be reach by email at drnidzam04@gmail.com

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Published

01-01-2025

How to Cite

Donnis, E., & Rahmat, M. N. (2025). Exploring the Utilisation of Drone Technology in Construction: Insights and Practices Within the Sarawak Region . Built Environment Journal, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22i1.977