UAV Applications on Projects Monitoring in Mining and Civil Engineering

Abstract

Worldwide all the industries have endorsed immense technology driven exponential growth since last two to three decades. Focus of every industry’s focus is on the improved utilization of the assets by improving machine productivity, automation, optimization which goes in hand in hand with the safer and environment friendly operation. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has wider application with advancement of various technologies – accuracy in geographical position system (GPS), high resolution digital camera, development of various sensors, processing power of computers and software development. Application of the unmanned arial vehicle (UAV) is one of such technology driven solution which is upcoming during last one decade to almost all mining and civil engineering projects of the performance improvements, reducing the cost of production, safe operating practices etc. Present paper focusses upon the implication of UAVs projects monitoring of the mining engineering projects.UAV is useful in exploration for preparation of topographical maps, identification of different rock types, airborne survey. UAV technology ensures the availability of miniature global navigation satellite system (GNSS). Number of critical situations during mining operation are handled with the ability of quick delivery of high temporal and spatial resolution image information. Digitized terrain models (DTM) are developed based on images captured by UAV which can be imported in autodesk or mine planning software – Surpac, Datamine etc. Various volumetric calculations can be done for OB removal, excavation, waste dump and stockpiles of minerals by measurement through photogrammetric method. With UAV advancement of faces can be monitored periodically. Due to the vastness of the modern mining engineering projects, the monitoring and control of different activities need the adoption of UAV based solutions on real time basis. The imagery and video acquired through UAV can be processed through photogrammetry software to develop two dimensional orthoimages and 3-dimensional surface models. The data acquired and products generated are fully compatible with AutoCAD and other civil 3D design software. Legal framework in very country is being formed. Legal implications and liability are to be examined. Project authorities for every project has to consider pros and cons before deployment of UAV technology.Location and movement of heavy earthmoving machinery is monitored including maintenance activities. Fragmentation of blasted rock, blast volume can be estimated with the support of UAV. Any hazardous work can be monitored remotely on UAV platform. During closure stage slope monitoring, reclamation of land which can be reviewed with the help of UAV. UAV technology is also useful in emergency in handling any breakdown, disaster or accidents at mines.