Improving Safety on Construction Sites Using BIM-Based Dynamic Virtual Fences and Ultra-Wideband Technology

The identification of potential accidents on construction sites has been a major concern in the construction industry and it needs a proactive safety plan to reduce the risk of accidents. There are no efficient methods for checking if safety measures are taken properly on construction sites. Consequently, workers on site are not given enough awareness about dangerous areas. In addition, construction sites are dynamic and on-site situations are changing in terms of permanent and temporary structures and facilities. This information can be represented using Building Information Modeling (BIM). The present research aims to investigate a new method for the automatic generation of Dynamic Virtual Fences (DVFs) as part of a BIM-based prevention program for construction safety following the Safety Code of Quebec Provence in Canada. First, the Safety Code is reviewed to identify the information that has spatial aspects and can be represented in BIM. Then, a method is proposed for automatic identification of falling and collision risks to generate DVFs for them. In this method, workspaces are generated in BIM based on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) deliverables, the project schedule, the dimensions of equipment, and the geometry of the building. One set of DVFs for collision prevention is generated based on the defined workspaces. Another set of DVFs is generated where physical barriers are needed for fall prevention. The generated DVFs are used coupled with Real-time Location System (RTLS) tracking of workers and physical fences to check safety requirements and to provide safety warnings