Arash Shahi

Data Fusion Process Management for Automated Construction Progress Estimation

AbstractThis paper presents a process management framework for multisensory data fusion for the purpose of tracking the progress of construction activity. The developed framework facilitates the required type of data fusion at any given point in the construction progress, reliably and efficiently. Data are acquired from high-frequency automated technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) imaging and ultrawideband (UWB) positioning, in addition to foreman reports, schedule information, and other information sources. The results of validation through a detailed field implementation project show that the developed framework for fusing volumetric, positioning, and project control data can successfully address the challenges associated with fusing multisensory data by tracking activities rather than objects, a feature that offers superior capability, efficiency, and accuracy over the length of the project. Other contributions of this research include the development of fusion processes that are performed at hi...

Activity-based Data Fusion for Automated Progress Tracking of Construction Projects

In recent years, many researchers have investigated automated progress tracking for construction projects. These efforts range from 2D photo feature extraction to 3D laser scanners and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. A multi-sensor data fusion model that would utilize multiple sources of information would provide a better alternative than a single-source model for tracking project progress. However, the existing fusion models are based on data fusion at the sensor and object levels, and therefore, are incapable of capturing critical information regarding non-structural trades and activities on a construction site, such as welding, inspection and installation activities. This paper presents an activity-based data fusion model, which incorporates an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) positioning system to track activities in a construction project. A field experimentation study on an industrial-type building construction project was conducted to validate the model presented in this research. The scope of the experimental program was limited to ductwork, HVAC, and piping activities on the project, but the model, experiments, and results are scalable to a complete construction project. A comparison of concrete, steel, and piping projects showed that for piping projects, where the asbuilt environment may be substantially different than as-designed models, the activity-based progress estimation model of this paper can be fused with existing object-based models to provide a more accurate and reliable progress estimate.

Automated Schedule and Progress Updating of IFC-Based 4D BIMs

AbstractResearchers have studied the detection of actual site conditions and the state of construction progress using various field data capture technologies. To fully exploit these solutions, a me...

An Integrated Quality Management System for Piping Fabrication Using 3D Laser Scanning and Photogrammetry

Addressing deficiencies and defects that occur during construction projects is costly and time consuming. The manual quality assurance programs currently used in the industry have certain limitations, including human error and lack of consistency. Hence, there is a need for integrated electronic models that employ new technologies and methods. This research introduces an integrated construction quality control system that has the potential to improve quality management processes in the construction field for piping construction, which is a complex process often requiring rework. The proposed integrated system relies on data collected from construction sites using photogrammetry and laser scanning, which is then used to compare actual work performed to that designed. The proposed system aims to improve the promptness and accuracy of quality assurance processes, in particular dimension measurements, by avoiding human error and integrating defect detection and quality management. The use of this system has highlighted some of the limitations during data fusion and acquisition process, which are highlighted in this paper. These aspects must be considered to increase the reliability of the acquired information.

Workflow-Based Construction Research Data Management and Dissemination

AbstractSharing research data is necessary for collaboration within a research network and is required by funding agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), that enforce the scientific method and ethics associated with data management and sharing. However, methods and infrastructure for supporting construction research data management are currently underdeveloped; emphasizing the need for developing effective and efficient means for managing and sharing research data. A review of existing data management models reveals that there is currently no effective universal system for sharing the data obtained from construction research endeavours. This paper presents electronic product and process management systems (EPPMS) as a construction research data management and sharing approach. The developed EPPMS is a web-based system that utilizes workflows that can automate the collection, authorization, and dissemination of construction research data. A comparative analysis of the developed system to t...

Automated Registration of 3D Point Clouds with 3D CAD Models for Remote Assessment of Staged Fabrication

Modularization and pre-assembly are parts of a trend toward staged fabrication that has been developing in the construction industry in many parts of the world over the past few decades. Successful delivery and transportation of materials in staged fabrication processes has always been a key challenge. While substantial advances in modularization and pre-fabrication have been achieved recently, there is still a significant rate of damages and defects occurring during transportation and shipment. In addition, there are inaccuracies in staged-fabricated assemblies due to manually intensive quality control during the fabrication process. Thus there is a significant need to continuously monitor the fabrication processes to avoid significant rework costs and delays. This paper presents an automated approach to register laser scanned data, which represents as-built status, with 3D CAD models for prefabricated steel assemblies. Moreover, automated registration enhances three-dimensional tolerance analysis for automated quality control of prefabricated assemblies. An Iterative Closest Point (ICP)-based model is used for automated registration in the presented paper. An experimental study is conducted to validate the proposed model for monitoring the fabrication and installation processes. Experimental results show that the presented approach can be used to detect defected parts or fabrication inaccuracies precisely and quickly.

Construction contract management using value packaging systems

In large construction projects, optimally dividing, packaging, and awarding the work amongst contractors and suppliers can be challenging. Typically, this procurement process is executed in the pre-construction phase based on the experience and judgement of the project leadership team. Once procurement is completed, it is difficult to demonstrate whether the results of this process are optimal, or to explain the rationale behind decision making. An auditable and robust method is needed to address these issues, while still taking into account the expertise of the project leadership team. Thus, a comprehensive construction value packaging system (CVPS) is presented which serves as a computational and process environment for assisting project leaders by increasing the efficiency, auditability, and effectiveness of the procurement process. The development of this system requires a new concept to be defined, the construction value unit (VU), whose scope covers value-added work defined by type of activity, its stage in the value chain, and its specifications. Construction value packages are composed of VUs. Research findings demonstrate that the VPS has the potential to improve the contract management of an enterprise-wide construction supply chain.

Safety Performance in the Construction Industry: Quasi-Longitudinal Study

AbstractSafety remains a major challenge in the construction industry throughout the world, yet there are very few longitudinal or quasi-longitudinal studies in this domain. This paper demonstrates how a quasi-longitudinal study can provide insight into safety performance. A comparison is made between two cross-sectional studies: 911 questionnaires collected from construction workers between 2004 and 2006, and 802 collected between 2014 and 2015 in Ontario, Canada. The data comprised demographic factors, 13 safety climate factors, and three safety outcome categories. Rates of injury, stress, and safety events reduced overall since 2004, although the change was significant only for events. Findings show improved consistency in safety awareness among participants independent of employers, suggesting that regionwide safety programs have been effective. Safety climate factors accounted for 15–20% of the variance in safety outcomes, down from 2004. Interpersonal conflict at work is strongly related to all safe...

A Model for Construction Contractor Selection Using Competitive Intelligence (CI)

While comprehensive and ongoing competitive intelligence (CI) is employed in a variety of industries to provide valuable input for broad strategic decisions, the construction industry lags behind in adopting this technique. This paper presents a CI model for use in the construction contractor selection process, which is a critical element of construction project management and one that inherently entails risk and risk management. The use of CI for contractor selection is an important development in light of the realization on the part of many companies that the diffuse nature of the information and lack of robust analysis create numerous inconveniences during the decisionmaking process. Based on the application of the CI method for a competitive environment, the proposed model has the potential to improve the process for assessing and selecting contractors. This paper describes the proposed model, including background information, structural details, guidelines for its use and implementation, and key data analysis findings.

Construction Research Data Management

Sharing research data is necessary for collaboration within a research network and is required by funding agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), that are enforcing the scientific method and ethics. However, methods and infrastructure for supporting construction research data management are currently underdeveloped; emphasizing the need for developing effective and efficient means for managing and sharing research data. A review of existing data management models reveals that there is currently no effective universal system for sharing the data obtained from construction research endeavours. This paper presents electronic product and process management systems (EPPMS) as a construction research data management and sharing approach. The proposed EPPMS is a web-based system, which utilizes workflows that can automate the collection, authorization, and dissemination of construction research data. A comparative analysis of the proposed system to the existing web-based cloud and web-based share point systems indicates that an EPPMS offers a more fitting solution for construction research data management.