Framework for Automation of Construction Progress Tracking on Indoor Environment, Using Autonomous Rover and Beacon-Based System

Abstract

Construction progress tracking and monitoring is a complex process, crucial for the smooth execution of projects and delivery of a high-quality product to the client. However, these tasks remain primarily manual, time-consuming and error prone, and can lead to cost and time overruns. The objective of the present research is to develop a system based on Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) point clouds and Internet of Things (IoT) integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM) to track the construction progress and to allow project managers to make informed decisions based upon reliable feedback. This paper has three parts: (1) the development of a new, more precise classification of the technologies and data used in the progress monitoring process, categorising them as support, data collection or data processing technologies; (2) the proposition of a framework for automated data collection and information treatment, offering a holistic solution for progress tracking and monitoring; (3) the presentation of a pilot-project partially implementing the proposed framework using BIM, SLAM, beacon technology and an automated rover in a real context. Several data acquisitions on construction sites were used to assess the capacity of the system for real-time reconstruction and progress tracking. This automized method is compared to the traditional manual capture of progress tracking. The results are discussed, and future work is identified.