Time-Lapse Video Applications for Construction Project Management

Time-lapse recording allows lengthy construction processes to be recorded and played back in a much shorter time for subsequent analysis. Over the past decade, time-lapse video cassette recorders (TL VCRs) have replaced time-lapse film movies for detailed productivity analysis and improvement in construction operations. This paper describes some of the technical features and options of time-lapse video recording equipment. The paper presents a valuable new application for time-lapse video in monitoring construction field operations. Rather than concentrating on individual workers or crews, time-lapse video can also be used to document and observe construction projects in their entirety. This innovative application has been extremely beneficial in historical documentation of project progress, operations analysis and improvement, public relations, fund raising, and dispute resolution. This paper presents lessons learned from several years of experimentation and experience with time-lapse video and two cases where time-lapse video recordings have been used to resolve claims and disputes on construction projects.