Browsing by Author "Ruthven, Pieter Gerhard"

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    Using drones to improve the quality control of masonry in affordable housing construction.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-02) Ruthven, Pieter Gerhard; Wium, Jan Andries; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Civil Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increasing housing backlog present in South Africa has resulted in the need for housing to be delivered with urgency. Attempting to deliver houses in a quantitative manner has led to quality being overlooked, although key role players have made it clear that there should be a shift towards qualitative delivery of housing. Research has found that quality concerns are recurring in affordable housing projects and therefore the need for improved quality control is evident. Motivated by the need to address these recurring problems, this study aims to investigate using a drone to improve the quality control on affordable housing projects, limited to the quality control of masonry works. Two affordable housing projects in the Western Cape were investigated over a period of two years to assist with achieving the aim of this study. The study seeks to improve aspects of dimensional quality control by firstly identifying the quality concerns on these projects by using traditional defect identification methods. A total of 1 048 measurements were taken on High Density Double Story (HDDS) units and 336 on Stand Alone Single Story (SASS) units. These measurements are compared to the specified dimensional requirements to identify which measurements do not adhere to the defined standards. Valuable findings are obtained and summarized from the data obtained using the traditional method. The study then investigates using a drone through 2D and 3D analysis to find a practical and effective manner through which dimensional aspects of quality control can be improved. Measurements taken from 2D images are compared to the actual measurements taken on site to determine the accuracy and effectiveness of using a drone in this manner. A 3D model of a housing unit is then developed through photogrammetry and accompanying software to assist with quality control through defect identification. The practicality and effectiveness of both methods are discussed by comparing them to the traditional method. From these findings it was determined that neither method would be practical and instead site progress monitoring through use of a drone is suggested to improve the dimensional aspects of quality control. A framework is then put forward as a recommendation to implement a drone on an affordable housing project.