Perceptions of automated data collection technology use in the construction industry

Research projects have indicated development of several technical solutions for the management of construction activities. However, little attention has been paid to the issues regarding the adoption and implementation of these techniques. This study investigates the perception of Automated Data Collection (ADC) technology usage in construction, and identifies reasons why available ADC technology has not been fully introduced in construction. A comprehensive literature review carried out in this research identifies barriers to the adoption of ADC technology. In total, 19 key factors are identified as barriers for adoption of ADC technology in construction, and validated through an international questionnaire survey. According to the results, process related factors play an essential role in adopting automated data acquisition technologies in the construction industry. In order to form the backbone of technology adoption in real scenarios, and to identify driving factors in this field, this paper also introduces an implementation framework for ADC technology in the construction industry

BEARING CAPACITY OF SINGLE-ANGLE COMPRESSION MEMBER: EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION

This study was conducted to investigate the load-bearing capacity of a single angle column under various loading conditions to determine the loading condition offering the highest load- bearing capacity. In all cases, the load is transferred through one leg (or two legs) of the angle which has a smaller cross-sectional area compared to the total area of the angle profile. The main objective of this study is to develop almost all of the possible support conditions for the single angle section and carry out laboratory tests on the chosen specimens to determine the most suitable one. Also, there are some finite element investigations done using ABAQUS software to find out the maximum forces in which all the elements of the structures remain their linear behavior and the stress spots concentration. Based on the obtained results, it is possible to increase the axial critical load of a single angle by using the connections at the main axis of the section

Proposing an Optimum Model for Time Estimation of Construction Projects in Iranian Gas Refineries

Time management can be effective in a project when the project schedule is based on comprehensive time scheduling. In the industries with complicated processes, many uncertainties and risks affect the timing of projects. Considering the very low reliability of the project planning in certainty-based approach, using more secure models for control and interact with uncertainty should be placed on the agenda. Iranian Gas Company has been using risk management to manage probable uncertainties in construction projects but in the field of possible uncertainties, actions are very scarce. This article aims to propose an optimum model based on the integrated risk management and fuzzy expert systems in order to provide comprehensive project time estimation and in this regard, reviews the results of the implementation of this model in construction projects of Iranian gas refineries. The results show that the proposed model increases the accuracy of time estimation about 8 to 24 percent.Time management can be effective in a project when the project schedule is based on comprehensive time scheduling. In the industries with complicated processes, many uncertainties and risks affect the timing of projects. Considering the very low reliability of the project planning in certainty-based approach, using more secure models for control and interact with uncertainty should be placed on the agenda. Iranian Gas Company has been using risk management to manage probable uncertainties in construction projects but in the field of possible uncertainties, actions are very scarce. This article aims to propose an optimum model based on the integrated risk management and fuzzy expert systems in order to provide comprehensive project time estimation and in this regard, reviews the results of the implementation of this model in construction projects of Iranian gas refineries. The results show that the proposed model increases the accuracy of time estimation about 8 to 24 percent

Integrated Advance Data Storage Technology for Effective Construction Logistics Management

Abstract This paper presents a study on applying an integrated application of RFID, GPS and GSM technology for mobile, pervasive and ubiquitous tracking and locating of any objects in construction supply chain and logistics. Accurate and timely identification and tracking of resource are vital to operating a well managed and cost efficient construction project. RFID integrated with the GPS provides an opportunity to uniquely identify materials and to locate and track them in a real time basis using minimal or no worker input where transmission of data from the system to the central database will be carried out with the help of standard cellular phone communications networks technology such as GPRS and SMS. In this research GIS will be used for analyzing and representing collected data. The authors believe that full automation of the construction supply chain and logistics can increase the efficiency and productively and lead to reductions in project costs and time

Practical Approaches Toward Sustainable Development in Iranian Green Construction

Developed nations acknowledge sustainable development as a legal right for current and future generations. Although instances of domestic and international efforts are prevalent, there is a long way to go before accomplishing developmental ideals. A practical approach for realizing the vital goals of sustainable development is of the utmost importance. In effect, the construction sector requires extensive forward-looking studies for strategizing, building and granting a sustainable future. The inconsistency between the goals and activities of different sectors is a main impediment upon undertaking sustainable development’s goals; decision and lawmakers must consider the purpose and interests of the building industry on a micro and macro level. This paper is a brief review for understanding the concept of sustainable development and illustrates some of the international efforts, and highlights them for decision makers.  Using the ‘PESTLE’ analysis technique, external and internal factors influencing sustainability in the Iranian construction sector were identified. Interviews were conducted with experts using the ‘Snowball’ research method due to the lack of knowledgeable respondents in the subject area. 11 Practical steps needed in Iran were recommended and sorted by their importance to make this vision a reality. The results can be generalized to other disciplines as well

The use of smart technologies in enabling construction components reuse: A viable method or a problem creating solution?

© 2017 The Authors. The exploitation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for tracking and archiving the properties of structural construction components could be a potentially innovative disruption for the construction sector. This is because RFID can stimulate the reuse of construction components and reduce their wastage, hence addressing sustainability issues in the construction sector. To test the plausibility of that idea, this study explores the potential pre-conditions for RFID to facilitate construction components reuse, and develops a guidance for promoting their redistribution back to the supply chain. It also looks at how integrating RFID with Building Information Modelling (BIM) can possibly be a valuable extension of its capabilities, providing the opportunity for tracked components to be incorporated into new structures in an informed, sound way. A preliminary assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the RFID technology is presented in order to depict its current and future potential in promoting construction components’ sustainable lifecycle management, while emphasis has been laid on capturing their technical, environmental, economic and social value. Findings suggest that the collection of the right amount of information at the design-construction-deconstruction-reuse-disposal stage is crucial for RFID to become a successful innovation in the construction sector. Although a number of limitations related to the technical operability and recycling of RFID tags seem to currently hinder its uptake for structural components’ lifecycle management, future technological innovations could provide solutions that would enable it to become a mainstream practice. Taken together these proposals advocate that the use of RFID and its integration with BIM can create the right environment for the development of new business models focused on sustainable resource management. These models may then unlock multiple values that are otherwise dissipated in the system. If the rapid technological development of RFID capability can be allied to policy interventions that control and manage its uptake along the supply chain, the sustainable lifecycle management of construction components could be radically enhanced.UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) who funded this work (Grant No. EP/K012398/1) in the context of the Infrastructure Business models, valuation and Innovation for Local Delivery (iBUILD) project

Assessment and development of radio frequency identification applications for effective management of construction activities

The construction industry suffers from quality problems, cost over-runs, and project delays, which can be traced back to the lack of accurate and real-time information among the players. Recent research has indicated that even though construction materials and components may constitute more than 50% of total project costs, existing methods for managing them still depend on human skills. These traditional data collection are time and labour-intensive, error-prone, and unreliable due to reluctance of workforces to monitor and record the presence of large numbers of materials. Advances in Automated Data Collection (ADC) technologies make them technically and economically feasible and viable. However, the construction industry is a late adopter of ADC technologies and the deployment of a cost-effective, scalable, and easy-to-implement materials management system has not yet been addressed. In order to investigate the late adoption of ADC technologies and to present a new solution to automate the task of materials management, the study provides a useful insight into the ADC technologies adoption barriers within the construction industry by identifying 19 key factors. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among the professionals in the industry from 16 countries. In view of these, a new approach for integrating the latest innovations in ADC technologies for real-time data collection in construction was proposed. A combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies was proposed in this study. This proposed integrated system can facilitate extremely low-cost and infrastructure-free solutions to uniquely identify materials, components, and equipment and to locate and track them in three phases namely; production sites (off-site), en-route (shipping), and construction job sites (on-site) almost instantaneously. The proposed system is fully automatic, thus reducing the labour costs and eliminating human error associated with data collection process during construction materials management.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Assessment and development of radio frequency identification applications for effective management of construction activities

The construction industry suffers from quality problems, cost over-runs, and project delays, which can be traced back to the lack of accurate and real-time information among the players. Recent research has indicated that even though construction materials and components may constitute more than 50% of total project costs, existing methods for managing them still depend on human skills. These traditional data collection are time and labour-intensive, error-prone, and unreliable due to reluctance of workforces to monitor and record the presence of large numbers of materials. Advances in Automated Data Collection (ADC) technologies make them technically and economically feasible and viable. However, the construction industry is a late adopter of ADC technologies and the deployment of a cost-effective, scalable, and easy-to-implement materials management system has not yet been addressed. In order to investigate the late adoption of ADC technologies and to present a new solution to automate the task of materials management, the study provides a useful insight into the ADC technologies adoption barriers within the construction industry by identifying 19 key factors. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among the professionals in the industry from 16 countries. In view of these, a new approach for integrating the latest innovations in ADC technologies for real-time data collection in construction was proposed. A combination of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies was proposed in this study. This proposed integrated system can facilitate extremely low-cost and infrastructure-free solutions to uniquely identify materials, components, and equipment and to locate and track them in three phases namely; production sites (off-site), en-route (shipping), and construction job sites (on-site) almost instantaneously. The proposed system is fully automatic, thus reducing the labour costs and eliminating human error associated with data collection process during construction materials management