Data acquisition system for automated updating of precast concrete project schedule

Abstract

In the construction project execution phase, the decision-making process greatly relies on quality and timely data acquisition. The comparison analysis approach, i.e., as-planned vs as-built, is common for progress tracking in construction projects. This approach requires continuous real-time data acquisition from the construction site for further integration into a construction schedule for progress analysis. Due to the complex and dynamic environment on the construction site, the main goal of data gathering efficiency increase lies in its automation. This paper presents a data acquisition system for automated updating of the precast concrete project schedule. The system is BIM-based, in which data collected from the construction site, i.e., actual starts and actual finishes of assembled elements, are automatically transferred and integrated into the project schedule. In the BIM environment, each element is uniquely determined by its work breakdown structure (WBS) code, which corresponds to its quick response (QR) code in the project schedule attached to the element on the construction site. The first discrete scan of the code on the construction site marks the actual assembly start of an element, and upon its assembly, the last discrete scan marks its actual finish. The system automatically transfers the data into the project schedule and updates the following assembly activities. The system was applied to a precast concrete project case study in laboratory conditions. The system performed smooth and efficient data collection, transfer, and integration into the BIM environment.