Cyber-Physical System Approach for Improving Productivity and Safety of Construction Projects

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The productivity and safety of construction projects are two major goals of the construction industry. Current project management approaches mainly depends on human site observations and manual data collection for detecting potential hazards and progress monitoring, respectively. Advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sensing technologies are providing new means for affordable, efficient and accurate automated data collection, which is expected to contribute to revolutionizing many industries. However, because of the complexity and the dynamic nature of construction projects, applying these advancements in the construction industry is more challenging. In order to take full advantage of these advancements, there is a need to have scientific understanding of the advantages and limitations of each technology, and then to develop innovative solutions to address the specific needs and challenges of the construction industry. This proposal aims to improve productivity and safety of construction projects using a cyber-physical system approach. The long-term objective of this research program is the knowledge creation related to improving productivity and safety of construction projects using the state-of-the-art AI techniques combined with Building Information Modeling (BIM), near real-time simulation and multi-agent systems, and ultimately realizing the concept of the Smart Construction Site. The proposed methodology has the following main tasks: (1) Updating the model of the site for progress monitoring using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanner; (2) Recognizing the activities of workers and equipment using an advanced computer vision method; (3) Developing real-time digital twin of the construction project based on a detailed 4D simulation model; and (4) Supporting decision-making on construction sites using a multi-agent system. The proposed research program is expected to have an impact on the construction industry by improving productivity and safety and reducing the effect of delays caused by unforeseen problems on construction sites. The resulting near real-time simulation calibrated by actual construction progress data will provide practitioners with accurate and reliable information about their projects, which will enhance risk management. It is expected that the results of this program and its HQP training will give the Canadian construction sector a competitive advantage based on technological innovations.