A Data Fusion Model for Location Estimation in Construction

Materials tracking is a key element in a construction materials management system. Deploying a costeffective, scalable, and easy to implement materials location sensing system in real world construction sites has very recently become technically and economically feasible. The evident drawback of the current costeffective and scalable systems is lack of accuracy and robustness. In this research a data fusion model is used on an integrated solution for automated identification and location estimation of construction materials, equipment, and tools. Data fusion is intended to increase confidence, achieve better performance for location estimation, and add robustness to operational performance. The proposed model is a modified functional data fusion model for the application of construction resource location estimation and is based on the US Joint Directors of Laboratories (JDL) model. The paper presents some preliminary and promising results of applying the fusion model on construction field trial data.