Drones, self-propelled modular transporters and a curtain wall that really does hang off the roof like a curtain are all notable technologies that made installing an 18-million-lb timber roof possible at Portland International Airport.
In recent years contractors have seen the advantages of employing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology with unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones.
In late December, the Federal Aviation Administration published proposed regulations governing the usage of drones in the U.S., triggering a pushback from drone professionals over rules requiring live transmitting of drone locations during operation.
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation's Jan. 14 proposed rule would allow operators to fly at night and over occupied spaces without a waiver; comment is open until March 14.
More state transportation agencies are using aerial drones, and overall commercial use of the devices is expected to continue to climb, though not as dramatically as predicted in 2017, recent reports say.