Integrating automated data acquisition technologies for progress reporting of construction projects

Controlling construction projects necessitates controlling their time and cost in an effort to meet the planned targets. Management needs timely data that represent the status of the project to take corrective actions, if needed. This paper presents a control model that integrates different automated data acquisition technology to collect data from construction sites required for progress measurement purposes. Current automated data acquisition technologies are described, and their suitability for use in tracking and controlling construction activities is assessed. This includes bar coding, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, multimedia, and pen-based computers. The user can move with a tablet PC in the construction site and record, take snapshots and also hand written comments about activities on site. The proposed cost/schedule control model integrates with the automated data acquisition technologies, a planning and scheduling software system, a relational database, and AutoCAD to generate progress reports that can assist project management teams in decision making.