Construction News Awards 2012


Best use of technology


WINNER COSTAIN JUDGES’ COMMENT


“Very impressive. Scores highly on savings in cost, carbon, and time. This development is very fl exible with a wide range of applications”


Supported by


Costain and its joint venture partner Carillion actively sought ways to improve effi ciency on the M1 J10-13 improvement scheme. An area identifi ed for


improvement was how progress and problem identifi cation records were going to be made. Traditionally, these records are


obtained using manned aerial photography. This is reliant on the availability and credibility of specialist subcontractors able to charge a premium. It also compromised Costain’s drive to reduce carbon emissions. Alternatives were investigated


FINALISTS


HIGHLY COMMENDED ● SPEEDY SERVICES ● AVONDALE CONSTRUCTION ● BALFOUR BEATTY MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING


● LEND LEASE AND HUMAN RECOGNITION SYSTEMS


● MCNICHOLAS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES


● TAYLOR WOODROW/ BAM NUTTALL AND REFERENCE POINT


50 | 12 July 2012


and eventually the team decided to trial a lightweight foam drone known as the swingletCAM. Although it was risky to change


from the tried and trusted method, Costain was able to produce progress and problem identifi cation reports of a higher quality in a shorter time by using the swingletCAM. The device was successful


because it is easy to use, environmentally friendly and gives the user complete control. It can be deployed immediately


to make a fl ight of 30 minutes and can be launched by hand.


SwingletCAM includes software


that can enable its trajectory to be controlled before and during the fl ight. Flights can be monitored in real time on a laptop and adjusted mid-fl ight through a simple drag and drop. Using the mouse, the user is


able to take photographs, return the swingletCAM to its starting location and terminate the fl ight. Powered by a rechargeable


lithium polymer battery, the device results in a signifi cant reduction in carbon footprint from the traditional method of aerial photography. By purchasing the equipment,


Costain can take photos as and when required, saving the contractor and its clients money in the future. Output has not been compromised, with high- resolution images that can be enhanced post-fl ight. Costain is working with the


supplier to develop the technology further and one area being looked at is how the device can assist with building information modelling.


Judges Tim Broyd, Edward Murphy, David Quirk


FOCUS M1 PROJECT TEAM


The M1 project team investigated several alternatives to the traditional method of obtaining aerial photographs. The first idea was using to use


a person to survey the area. But this would be time-consuming, open to human error and subject to access and health and safety considerations. Another option was satellite


imagery, but this was not feasible. Supplier Korec was then asked if


it could help and provided details of the swingletCAM technology. The cost and carbon savings


associated with swingletCAM made it an easy decision. Further to these is the


opportunity it brings when teamed with the company’s other service offerings, and Costain is able to use swingletCAM and other technology to provide detailed levels of information at every stage of a contract. This enables its clients to make


informed decisions when they are needed, both during and after contract completion.


www.cnplus.co.uk


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