Case Study of BIM and Cloud–Enabled Real-Time RFID Indoor Localization for Construction Management Applications
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 142, Issue 7
Abstract
In the field of construction, indoor localization of mobile construction resources remains a universal challenge. Although discussions have focused on the tracking accuracy and affordability of indoor localization technologies, few efforts have focused on practical criteria such as ease of use, latency, and data visualization and remote sharing. To close this gap in knowledge, this study introduces a building information modeling (BIM) and cloud-enabled radio-frequency identification (RFID) localization system. The system consists of three main components: the passive RFID localization system, the BIM visualization system, and the cloud computing system. The proposed system is tested in a full-scale implementation on an actual construction site. The test was designed and conducted to evaluate the localization accuracy, data latency, and real-time data processing and visualization for remote monitoring. A comprehensive analysis is made of various practical issues based on the test results and panel discussion. The findings in this study indicate that the BIM and cloud-enable RFID indoor localization solution has a great potential in practical applications such as site security control, safety management, asset management, and productivity monitoring.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work supported by the Chevron Energy Technology Company, A Division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chevron Energy Technology Company.
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© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 16, 2015
Accepted: Nov 13, 2015
Published online: Jan 21, 2016
Discussion open until: Jun 21, 2016
Published in print: Jul 1, 2016
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