T100 Spraying Solutions for Remote Construction Sites
T100 Spraying Solutions for Remote Construction Sites
META: Discover how the Agras T100 transforms remote construction site spraying with RTK precision and IPX6K durability. Expert tips for dust control and coating applications.
TL;DR
- Agras T100 delivers centimeter precision for construction site applications including dust suppression, curing compound application, and slope stabilization
- RTK Fix rate above 95% ensures consistent swath width coverage even in GPS-challenged remote locations
- IPX6K rating protects against harsh construction environments with dust, debris, and water exposure
- Third-party nozzle upgrades from TeeJet significantly reduce spray drift in windy site conditions
Remote construction sites present unique spraying challenges that ground-based equipment simply cannot address. The DJI Agras T100 solves three critical problems: inaccessible terrain, labor shortages, and inconsistent coverage quality. This guide breaks down exactly how to configure, calibrate, and deploy the T100 for construction applications—from dust control on haul roads to applying bonding agents on vertical surfaces.
Why Construction Sites Demand Aerial Spraying Solutions
Traditional ground sprayers fail on construction sites for predictable reasons. Uneven terrain prevents consistent vehicle access. Freshly graded surfaces cannot support heavy equipment weight. And labor costs for manual spraying crews have increased 47% since 2020 according to construction industry reports.
The Agras T100 addresses each limitation through its aerial platform design. With a 50-liter tank capacity and 24-meter effective swath width, a single T100 covers ground that would require a four-person crew working an entire shift.
Terrain Independence Changes Everything
Construction sites evolve daily. What was accessible yesterday becomes a foundation excavation today. The T100 operates 3-10 meters above surface level, completely independent of ground conditions.
This matters most for:
- Slope stabilization spraying on grades exceeding 30 degrees
- Dust suppression across active haul roads without traffic interruption
- Curing compound application on freshly poured concrete sections
- Erosion control seeding on disturbed soil areas
Expert Insight: Schedule T100 flights during the 30-minute window after concrete finishing but before surface moisture evaporates. This timing maximizes curing compound adhesion and reduces material waste by approximately 22%.
Configuring the T100 for Construction Applications
Out-of-box T100 settings optimize for agricultural row crops. Construction sites require specific adjustments to nozzle configuration, flight parameters, and spray rate calculations.
Nozzle Calibration for Non-Agricultural Liquids
Construction chemicals differ significantly from agricultural inputs. Curing compounds have higher viscosity. Dust suppressants contain calcium chloride or magnesium chloride solutions. Bonding agents require precise droplet sizing.
The stock T100 nozzles work adequately for water-based dust suppression. However, TeeJet XR TeeJet 11003 flat-fan nozzles dramatically improve performance with viscous materials. This third-party accessory upgrade reduces spray drift by 35-40% compared to standard hollow-cone configurations.
Calibration steps for construction chemicals:
- Measure liquid specific gravity using a hydrometer
- Adjust pressure settings based on manufacturer viscosity charts
- Conduct test passes at operational altitude to verify droplet coverage
- Document settings for each chemical type used on site
RTK Configuration for Remote Locations
Remote construction sites often lack cellular connectivity for network RTK corrections. The T100 supports multiple RTK solutions to maintain centimeter precision regardless of location.
| RTK Method | Setup Time | Accuracy | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network RTK | 5 minutes | ±2 cm | Sites with cellular coverage |
| Base Station RTK | 20 minutes | ±2 cm | Remote sites, consistent operations |
| PPK Processing | Post-flight | ±3 cm | Survey-grade documentation |
| SBAS Only | Immediate | ±50 cm | Emergency operations only |
For remote construction sites, deploy a dedicated RTK base station at a surveyed control point. The DJI D-RTK 2 Mobile Station maintains RTK Fix rates above 95% even in challenging multipath environments near steel structures and heavy equipment.
Pro Tip: Position your RTK base station on the highest stable point available—typically a shipping container or equipment trailer roof. Elevating the antenna 3+ meters above ground level reduces multipath interference from metal construction materials.
Flight Planning for Maximum Coverage Efficiency
Construction site spraying differs from agricultural applications in boundary complexity. Farm fields have regular geometric shapes. Construction sites feature irregular perimeters, exclusion zones around active work areas, and elevation changes that affect spray coverage.
Mapping Site Boundaries Accurately
Before any spraying operation, conduct a mapping flight using the T100's multispectral camera capabilities or a dedicated mapping drone. This creates an accurate digital surface model that accounts for:
- Stockpile locations requiring exclusion or specialized treatment
- Equipment staging areas that need temporary avoidance
- Elevation changes affecting spray altitude calculations
- Sensitive adjacent areas requiring buffer zones
Import the resulting boundary files into DJI Terra or third-party flight planning software. The T100 accepts KML, SHP, and proprietary DJI boundary formats.
Swath Width Optimization
The T100's 24-meter maximum swath width assumes ideal conditions: no wind, flat terrain, and agricultural spray heights. Construction applications typically require narrower effective swath widths.
Recommended swath width adjustments:
- Dust suppression on roads: 18-20 meters (accounts for road crown)
- Curing compound application: 12-15 meters (precision required)
- Slope stabilization: 10-12 meters (compensates for terrain angle)
- Erosion control seeding: 15-18 meters (seed distribution pattern)
Reducing swath width increases overlap percentage, ensuring complete coverage without gaps that compromise treatment effectiveness.
Managing Spray Drift in Open Site Conditions
Construction sites lack the windbreaks that agricultural fields often provide. Trees, hedgerows, and structures that reduce wind speed at field level simply don't exist on active construction sites.
Spray drift creates two problems: wasted material and potential contamination of adjacent areas. Both carry significant cost and liability implications.
Wind Speed Protocols
Establish clear wind speed thresholds for each application type:
| Application | Maximum Wind Speed | Droplet Size Target |
|---|---|---|
| Dust suppression | 15 km/h | Medium (250-350 μm) |
| Curing compound | 10 km/h | Coarse (350-450 μm) |
| Bonding agents | 8 km/h | Very coarse (450+ μm) |
| Erosion seeding | 12 km/h | Ultra coarse (500+ μm) |
The T100's onboard weather sensors provide real-time wind speed data. Configure automatic mission pause when wind exceeds threshold values.
Buffer Zone Calculations
Calculate buffer zones based on wind speed, droplet size, and spray height. A conservative formula for construction applications:
Buffer distance (meters) = Wind speed (km/h) × Spray height (m) × 0.5
For a typical dust suppression operation at 8 km/h wind and 5-meter spray height, maintain a 20-meter buffer from sensitive boundaries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating chemical viscosity effects. Construction chemicals behave differently than agricultural inputs. Always conduct test sprays before full-site operations. Clogged nozzles mid-flight waste time and create coverage gaps.
Ignoring site evolution. Construction sites change daily. Boundaries mapped last week may include new excavations, material stockpiles, or equipment positions. Verify site conditions within 24 hours of planned operations.
Skipping pre-flight RTK verification. A degraded RTK Fix rate produces inconsistent swath overlap. Verify RTK Fix status shows above 95% before launching spray missions. Float or SBAS-only positions create visible coverage stripes.
Operating during active site hours. Coordinate with site superintendents to schedule flights during breaks, shift changes, or non-work hours. Drone operations near active equipment create safety conflicts and potential liability issues.
Neglecting IPX6K maintenance requirements. The T100's IPX6K rating protects against water and dust ingress—but only when seals remain intact. Inspect and replace gaskets according to manufacturer intervals, especially after exposure to corrosive construction chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Agras T100 spray oil-based construction chemicals?
The T100's standard tank and pump system handles water-based solutions and emulsions. Pure oil-based products require tank liner verification and may void warranty coverage. Consult DJI Enterprise support before using petroleum-based chemicals. Most construction applications—including dust suppressants, curing compounds, and bonding agents—use water-based formulations compatible with stock T100 components.
How many acres can the T100 cover on a single battery set?
Coverage depends on spray rate and flight speed. For typical dust suppression at 3 liters per 100 square meters, expect approximately 1.5 hectares per tank load. Battery endurance supports 2-3 tank loads before requiring battery swaps. A well-organized operation with multiple battery sets and a ground crew handling refills can cover 15-20 hectares in a standard work shift.
What certifications do pilots need for construction site drone spraying?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In most regions, commercial drone operations require Part 107 certification (US) or equivalent. Some states and provinces mandate additional pesticide applicator licensing even for non-pesticide construction chemicals. Verify local requirements with aviation authorities and environmental agencies before commencing operations. Many construction companies require site-specific safety orientations regardless of pilot certifications.
The Agras T100 transforms construction site spraying from a labor-intensive ground operation into a precise, efficient aerial application. Proper configuration—especially nozzle calibration, RTK setup, and swath width optimization—determines success. Combined with third-party accessories like TeeJet nozzles and disciplined flight planning protocols, the T100 delivers consistent results across the challenging conditions that define remote construction environments.
Ready for your own Agras T100? Contact our team for expert consultation.