An Application of Auto-Identification System in Steel Structural Construction Process

Being an integral part of accessing the modern automated system, Auto-ID (Automatic Identification) system is a proven technology of providing a more accurate, detailed, timely and advanced information for architectural operation. Currently, the various technologies that are used for Auto-ID are: barcodes, optical character recognition (OCR), radio frequency identification (RFID), magnetic stripe and voice recognition. The focus of this study is mainly on the interface integration of Auto-ID system, including barcode, radio frequency, wireless technology and database systems etc. Among the diversified expert fields in the construction industry, the methodologies used for site-casting and pre-casting steel structure are very similar to that of manufacturing industry. By setting up suitable Auto-ID system module for construction environment and taking actual steel structure construction case as an example, a preliminary prototype has been developed in this study. After the prototype is thoroughly analyzed, guidelines that aim at effectively initiate the utilization of this Auto-ID system is formulated and ideas for further research are recommended.