The primary objective of the façade inspection at One Zabeel was to assess the integrity of the glass panels, specifically identifying any cracks, breaks, or problems with the connections between the glass sections. The building’s façade is fully glass, making it essential to capture high-resolution data that can provide insights into its structural health. Thermal imaging was also employed to detect temperature anomalies, which could signal gaps or defects that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Traditional Inspection Challenges: Prior to utilizing drones, façade inspections relied heavily on manual rope access, which presented several challenges. Inspectors had to rappel down the building, assessing each section by eye, leading to many issues being overlooked. Visibility was limited, especially for detecting defects on external glass from the inside of the building. This method was not only time-consuming but also posed significant safety risks, with a single side of the building taking an entire day to inspect. The traditional approach was labor-intensive and costly, with increased risks to the inspectors’ safety.
For this project, the M300 drone was equipped with the PhaseOne P3 payload and the DJI H30T thermal camera. The PhaseOne P3 payload, featuring a 100 MP medium format camera, was chosen for its ability to provide high-resolution imagery. Its 35 mm lens allowed the drone to capture seven glass panels in a single image, providing detailed data and optimizing area coverage during flights. In comparison, non-medium format cameras could only capture three panels per image. This improved efficiency dramatically, reducing the number of flights and time required to complete the inspection.
Moreover, the high zoom capability of the PhaseOne P3 ensured that the drone could maintain a safe distance of 30 meters from the building while still capturing precise data. This distance was crucial due to public area constraints around the building, where closer proximity might have posed safety concerns. The combination of higher resolution and increased zoom helped expedite the data collection process, making it a preferred choice for this type of inspection.
The data collection process with the PhaseOne P3 differed slightly from other payloads, mainly in terms of data processing. While the data processing took longer due to the higher resolution, the exceptional clarity of the images justified the time investment. The precision of the data captured by the P3 payload enabled the team to deliver a detailed report on the condition of the building’s façade.
The entire inspection took two days to complete, with 16 flights covering the 300-meter structure. One of the key challenges faced during the project was the height of the building, which posed difficulties in maintaining a stable GPS connection. At such altitudes, the drone’s GPS connection was occasionally unreliable, especially under the bridge connecting the two towers.
The team also had to account for reflection issues during the photo capture process. The glass façade created significant reflections, making it difficult to capture clear images in certain conditions. To counter this, the drone operators adjusted their flight angles, capturing images at varying angles to minimize reflections. The unique architecture of One Zabeel, particularly the bridge between the towers, funneled wind through the “vengeance area,” creating turbulence. Extra precautions were taken in this area to ensure flight stability and data accuracy.
The PhaseOne P3 payload proved to be an invaluable asset in completing the façade inspection of One Zabeel efficiently and safely. Its high resolution, zoom capabilities, and ability to cover larger areas in fewer images made it a superior choice over traditional inspection methods. By reducing the time and risks associated with manual inspections, the PhaseOne P3 has set a new standard for façade inspections, delivering clear, actionable data in less time.
