Using Drones to Survey Stockpiles for Road Construction Projects in Narberth, Pembrokeshire

At Tribrach Surveys, we have been conducting ongoing drone surveys for a road construction project in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. Accurate and efficient stockpile management is crucial for ensuring materials are used effectively and costs are controlled. Traditionally, measuring stockpiles relied on manual methods such as ground surveys or estimating by eye—both of which are prone to errors. However, drone technology is revolutionizing the way quantity surveyors and site teams track materials, particularly for topsoil usage and potential import needs.

Why Use Drones for Stockpile Surveys?

Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and photogrammetry software can quickly capture precise volumetric data of stockpiles. The benefits of using drones include:

• Accuracy: Drone surveys can measure stockpile volumes with greater precision than traditional methods.
• Speed: Surveys that used to take hours or even days can now be completed within minutes.
• Safety: Drones eliminate the need for personnel to physically climb stockpiles, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reducing labour costs and minimizing material waste lead to significant savings over time.

How Drone Surveys Benefit Quantity Surveyors and Site Teams

1. Tracking Topsoil Usage
   • Road construction often involves stripping, stockpiling, and redistributing topsoil. Drones provide real-time data on the volume of topsoil available, ensuring efficient usage and preventing shortages.
2. Assessing Import Needs
   • By regularly updating stockpile measurements, quantity surveyors can determine if additional materials need to be imported, preventing project delays and ensuring optimal resource allocation.
3. Updating Project Teams
   • The data collected from drone surveys can be integrated into construction management software, allowing engineers, site managers, and surveyors to access up-to-date stockpile information for better planning and coordination.
4. Enhancing Environmental Compliance
   • Many road construction projects must comply with strict environmental regulations, including topsoil preservation. Drone surveys help track and document topsoil management, ensuring regulatory requirements are met.

Implementing Drone Surveys on Your Project

To get started with drone-based stockpile surveys, consider the following steps:

• Choose the Right Drone and Software: Using GCP targets, we can ensure the drone surveys tie in with most coordinate systems, including local systems.
• Train Personnel or Hire a Specialist: Ensure your team has the skills to operate drones effectively or work with a professional drone surveyor.
• Establish a Regular Survey Schedule: Conduct drone surveys weekly or monthly to maintain up-to-date stockpile data.
• Integrate with Existing Workflow: Use software that allows seamless data sharing with project management tools to enhance decision-making.

Conclusion

The use of drones for stockpile surveys in road construction is a game-changer, offering improved accuracy, efficiency, and safety. At Tribrach Surveys, our ongoing work in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, demonstrates how drone technology helps quantity surveyors and site teams make better-informed decisions regarding topsoil usage and material imports. By leveraging drone technology, we ensure project timelines and budgets are met. As drone technology continues to advance, its role in construction management will only become more vital, making it a worthwhile investment for any road construction project.