The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction
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Abstract: The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC) and the 39th ISARC organizing committee are pleased to present the Proceedings of the 39th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction held, in a hybrid mode, on July 13-15, 2022, at Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia. The ...
Abstract: The debates around the Urban Heat Island phenomenon (UHI) have gained momentum in the context of smart cities and sustainable development. It is crucial to understand the complex interaction between urban features and temperature variation in the city based on reliable and detailed data. Yet, the complex interaction between the ...
Abstract: The construction sector has suffered from low productivity and considerable waste due to the fragmentation of its value chain and inefficient design and material usage processes. The circular economy (CE) principles have gained significant attention among researchers and practitioners to help overcome these challenges. Construction materials such as timber and ...
Abstract: Geometric quality control (QC) in a construction project is an important but time-consuming and not value-adding task. While significant progress is being made in construc-tion digitalisation, geometric QC processes remain highly manual and inefficient. This manuscript proposes a new methodology to pre-process initial information contained in the as-designed Building Information ...
Abstract: This paper discusses challenges, experiences and lessons learned so far while transforming a masonry build system based mostly on manual labour into a robot automated build system. Our motivation for selection of this masonry process is to try out how robot automation could impact the architects in their design work ...
Abstract: The preservation of highway infrastructure is essential for maintaining its capacity, safety, and efficiency for commerce and defense. Pavements are among the most important elements of highway systems that deteriorate over time. Hence, the goal of pavement asset management is to seek efficient investments where the methods applied will aid ...
Abstract: Segmentation tasks in computer vision have been adopted in various studies in the civil engineering domain to provide accurate object locations in images. However, preparing an-notation to train segmentation models is a time consuming and costly process, which hinders the use of segmentation models in vision-based applications. To address the ...
Abstract: The use of robotics in construction projects is still in its infancy despite the opportunities that robots can present to the improvement of construction practices. One of the strategies to effectively increase the reliance on robots in construction is increasing the knowledge and improving the educational programs about robotics for ...
Abstract: The current decision-making practices in road construction, are largely based on tacit knowledge, craftsmanship, tradition, and custom. This results in considerable variability in the execution of projects and deviation between as-planned and as-executed practices. The current simulation-based planning techniques are limited because they tend to present spatial and temporal characteristics ...
Abstract: The construction industry is often affected by unanticipated struck-by accidents, which often cause severe injuries and fatalities to the workers. Therefore, monitoring and tracking struck-by hazards in terms of the spatial relationship between a worker and a heavy vehicle is crucial to prevent such accidents. Current studies focus on using ...
Abstract: Conventional mobile robots rely on pre-built point cloud maps for online localization. These map points are generally built using specialized mapping techniques, which involve high labor and computational costs. While in the archi-tectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, as-planned building information modelings (BIM) are available for management and operation. In ...
Abstract: In the context of Construction 4.0, the data-intensive nature of the AEC/FM industry puts data-related issues at its core. The powerful ability of data mining to process and utilize data makes it the preferred option for solving data-related problems. Currently, there is no summary of data mining applications in terms ...
Abstract: With the recent commercial availability of autonomous mobility platforms, construction researchers have focused their attention to the application of advanced robotic tools on jobsites. One such mobility platform is Boston Dynamic's robot, "SPOT." The software development kit (SDK) enabled, quadruped robot has the infrastructure to attach interchangeable payloads including LiDAR ...
Abstract: Scaffolds are essential temporary structures on construction sites. Since scaffolds are frequently installed and dismantled, the inspection needs to be performed in real-time. This paper proposes a framework to automate the acquisition process of scaffold point cloud data using a robot dog. First, a Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) algorithm ...
Abstract: Natural disasters lead to severe deterioration of valuable highway assets, including pavements that should quickly return to service after extreme events such as flooding. Various prediction models were developed to predict pavement performance for several purposes, including maintenance management, budget allocation, and investment strategy. However, limited studies focused on developing ...
Abstract: Machine learning (ML) is a purpose technology already starting to transform the global economy and has the potential to transform the construction industry with the use of data-driven solutions to improve the way projects are delivered. Unrealistic productivity predictions cause increased delivery cost and time. This study shows the application ...
Abstract: Scaffolds, one of the most widely used temporary structures, are prone to safety-related accidents. Despite the fact, checking regulations for a scaffold is manually being conducted, which is inefficient, especially for a large construction site. This paper proposes an automated method to check safety regulations regarding scaffolds on sites. 3D ...
Abstract: Progress monitoring is one of the essential tasks while executing a construction project. Effective monitoring will lead to an accurate and timely analysis of the project's progress which is required to make vital decisions for project control. On the other hand, inefficient and delayed updates regarding the project's progress, which ...
Abstract: Scanning is a key element for many applications in the AECO industry. It provides point clouds used for construction quality assurance, scan-to-BIM workflows and construction surveys. However, data acquisition using static laser scanners or photogrammetry methods is lengthy and requires even lengthier subsequent processing. A quick and apparent escape from ...
Abstract: Cracks are one of the main defect features on concrete surfaces, and indicators of concrete structures' condition regarding their state of health. Since traditional methods to identify and assess cracks rely on manual measurements, a significant number of studies to date have focused on identifying ways to automate this process. ...
Abstract: With growing demand for large scale exterior envelope prefabrication solutions beyond precast concrete, Engineer-to-Order (ETO) prefabrication firms must develop reliable methodologies to manage finish goods inventory of large components. The imbalance between fabrication time and installation requires ETOs to forecast likely consumption of transportation resources at the proposal stage with ...
Abstract: Generating digital 3D buildings models from scratch is time consuming and labor intensive. In this paper, we present an automated detection process leveraging computer vision and the information available in 2D drawings to reduce 3D modeling time. The recognition system is limited to walls and has two parts: (1) Image ...
Abstract: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is a highly complex part of a building that requires high specialty and expertise to understand and analyze for energy modelling and simulation purposes. Significant manual effort is needed for information extraction from the mechanical designs, to support the creation of an ...
Abstract: The rapid pace of technological transformation in sustainability assessment in the construction industry has directed the development of tools and policies. Building information modelling (BIM)-based documentation processes for green building certification systems (GBCS) credits continually require re-assessments. The relationship between BIM and GBCS is minimal in the current literature, which ...
Abstract: The majority of innovative approaches in the realm of the retrospective generation of building information models for existing structures deal with geometry extraction from point clouds or engineering drawings. However, many building-specific or object-specific attributes for the enrichment of building models cannot be inferred from these geometric and visual data ...
Abstract: BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become increasingly important in recent years. At the center of BIM is the digital information model of a building. While such information models are already used intensively in building construction for small-scale robotic applications, digital models are only used for large-scale measures and machines in ...
Abstract: Building Information Modeling (BIM) was conceived as a working method for networked planning using software assistance. Multiple stakeholders in the construction industry are involved in the design and management of digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility in the BIM model. Design variant management coupled ...
Abstract: The concept of Digital Twin (DT) has emerged in recent years to facilitate the use of Building Information Modeling during the entire projects' lifecycle. In the DT concept, cyber-physical system theory is utilized to collect condition data about an existing asset and then integrate this data into the digital model. ...
Abstract: Mobile drilling rigs are particularly susceptible to over-turning due to the high location of their centre of mass. In some cases, overturning occurs due to a failure in the subsoil. Until now, machine operators are solely responsible for mon-itoring the machines' stability, and assessment of dangerous conditions is based mainly ...
Abstract: This paper proposes a pipeline for the automation of data between two realms: i) simulation, in a fully nonlinear, and time-dependent structural analysis model and, ii)concrete maturity monitoring data from the construction site. The connection enables an information construct understood for its use within the Digital Twin of the ...
Abstract: The use of standardized BIM Classification Systems helps to improve the efficiency of the tendering, planning, and control of construction projects. The Colombian government has identified BIM as a key strategy to help increase the construction industry's productivity and improve value for money in public works projects. At the core ...
Abstract: This document presents an automated pipeline to process sensor-based data produced during load tests on digitally twinned HS railway bridges. The research is developed within the frame of the H2020 European project ASHVIN, related to Assistants for Healthy, Safe, and Productive Virtual Construction, Design, Operation & Maintenance using Digital ...
Abstract: The low level of digitization in sharing information and the fragmented processes in the construction supply chain negatively affects cash flow across the supply chain, resulting in non- and late-payment issues. Even though a cloud-based 5D BIM platform and Blockchain-enabled smart contracts have the potential to address the issues, their ...
Abstract: This paper examines the value of including digital twin technology as a hands-on learning activity in a graduate-level building construction course. The methodology of teaching digital twins as a unit is presented, and the benefits of introducing this topic are examined within the framework of several learning objectives. The campus ...
Abstract: The achieved benefits of Open Infrastructure BIM in Finland have been studied. The newest concept of Open InfraBIM in Finland is introduced. Industrial experiences and observed remarkable benefits in three large-size infrastructure design and construction projects carried out in 2012-2022 are presented and evaluated. Based on the observations and achieved ...
Abstract: Risk propensity, or individuals' attitude toward risk, can highly impact individuals' decision-making in high-risk environments since those who merely focus on positive consequences associated with high-risk acts are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors. Previous studies identified activation in the prefrontal cortex during decision-making under risk to be a ...
Abstract: Safety training has long been considered a promising method to enhance workers' hazard identification skills within construction sites. To improve the effectiveness of safety training, such varied features as a training environment, individuals' learning ability, and lesson personalization have been investigated. However, as records show workers still miss hazards even ...
Abstract: Construction professionals need to understand collaboration within the context of jobsites. Consequently, many construction programs utilize learning activities to enable student learning of collaboration. One of those key learning activities used by construction programs is site visits. Although site visits are greatly beneficial for students, these present several challenges to ...
Abstract: The digital transformation of the construction industry is accelerating with the advances in information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) and their convergence. While the benefits of such transformation in construction are apparent, cybersecurity aspects are usually overlooked. Cyber-attacks against project information can cause the exposure of confidential project data, ...
Abstract: Fire management is a key aspect of building management. During a fire, the primary reason why evacuees cannot evacuate in time and causalities occur is their lack of familiarity with the evacuation route. In practice, two dimensional images or videos are used as aids for firefighting educational training. However, they ...
Abstract: Lately, virtual reality (VR) is being investigated for the field of construction. VR enables investigation from a stage where there is no actual object. The most common approach in VR is interaction with a controller. Therefore, the sense of body movements is often far from reality. Reflecting actual body ...
Abstract: Construction safety training through Virtual Reality (VR) environments offers workers an interactive and immersive experience. Many complex interactions and realistic scenarios are possible in VR using accessories such as data gloves and trackers which allow data recording on incidents. For example, misinterpretation of hand signals construction workers give during operations ...
Abstract: Identifying workers' safety violations on construction job sites is critical for improving construction safety performance. The advancement of sensing technologies makes automatic safety violation detection possible by encoding the safety knowledge into computer programs. However, it requires intensive human efforts in turning safety knowledge into computer rules, and the hard-coded ...
Abstract: Securing the safety of highway work zones is one of the most pressing issues in the highway maintenance and oper-ation community. Recent studies have indicated that high-way workers keep suffering from fatal injuries and death caused by traffic, long-night shifts, and limited space for ma-neuvering. In the meantime, recent advances ...
Abstract: Construction robots have the potential to increase construction productivity at job sites and can help overcome industry challenges such as labor shortage and safety risks. User-friendly interfaces are critical for advancing human-robot work collaboration and increasing use of construction robots. However, human-robot interfaces in the context of construction industry applications ...
Abstract: The acceptance of concrete printing as a viable construction method is limited because of a lack of expertise and due to the heterogeneous and non-standardized nature of additive manufacturing (AM) data modeling, affecting the reliability and the interoperability of the concrete printing process. To advance standardization of AM data modeling ...
Abstract: The use of drones in the construction industry has been dramatically growing in different areas such as building inspection, site mapping, and safety monitoring. The increasing deployment of drones in construction leads to more collaboration and interaction between human workers and drones. This raises novel occupational safety issues, especially for ...
Abstract: This paper presents a method for automated excavation speed and progress estimation. First, a measure for the progress speed of an excavation pit is taken from the lit-erature and evaluated regarding the possibility for automa-tion. For each possible parameter, an automated extraction algorithm is presented. The used system is an ...
Abstract: Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are a leading contributor to workplace injuries in the construction industry, with the lower back being the most affected body part. To mitigate WMSDs, exoskeletons have been developed and recently introduced to industrial job sites to provide workers with assistance and support, reducing exposure to ergonomic ...
Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being employed in many areas such as photography, emergency, entertainment, defence, agriculture, forestry, mining and construction. Over the last decade, UAV technology has found applications in nu-merous construction project phases, ranging from site map-ping, progress monitoring, building inspection, damage as-sessments, and material delivery. While extensive ...
Abstract: The interest in the use of robots in the construction industry has been around for several decades; however, the advancement of technology for related applications has been slow. Considering that most construction robots are not fully automated and require extra guidance and instructions from the operators, an autonomous way for ...
Abstract: Building activities involving heavy suspended elements are one of the construction activities with the highest level of danger. Typically, during these activities, one or two masons work in conjunction with a machine such as a crane or a lift-ing machine. Several robotics solutions have been proposed to replace the masons ...
Abstract: Teleoperated construction machinery dominates construction sites, as it can, with relatively little effort, prevent operators from working in dangerous conditions by keeping them in the control loop. However, the operators usually have to execute tasks with limited situational information due to poor depth perception from 2D camera images, reducing local ...
Abstract: In this paper, a framework for foam printing with a Cable-Driven Parallel Robot (CDPR) is described for building large parts. Compared with the traditional robotic systems, CD-PRs have a large workspace that can include the printing area. In addition, the potential reconfigurability of CDPRs is an asset to get rid ...
Abstract: One of the many ways in which automation may help the construction industry is on-site material management. This paper presents an automated process where materials are selected for staging by detecting construction progress from site images. The materials are then delivered to their re-spective workface locations by a robot. The ...
Abstract: In order to reach zero energy consumption of the current building stock, adding a new insulating envelope with Renewable Energy Sources onto the existing building is necessary. This can be achieved by using prefabricated modules, automation and robotics. Since the topic is complex, three main subcategories were defined: Data Flow, ...
Abstract: Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) is one of the major waste streams in the EU by mass, accounting for 374 million tons in 2016 (excluding excavated soil), and is made up of a variety of components. Many of them can include dangerous materials and pose specific concerns to the environment ...
Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders continue to be a severe problem in the construction industry. Rebar workers are exposed to ergonomic risks such as repetitive stooping and forward bending resulting in low back injuries. Wearable systems such as back support exoskeletons are emerging as potential solution to reducing the risk of low ...
Abstract: The physically demanding nature of construction work exposes workers to ergonomic risks resulting back-related musculoskeletal disorders. Back injuries amongst pipe installers increased by 2.3 times in the last year. Back support exoskeletons are emerging as a potential intervention to address back injuries. Without willingness of construction workers to use back-support ...
Abstract: Planning, monitoring, and maintenance of highway assets is an essential, long-term operation for successful civil infrastructure management. These monitoring and maintenance activities are usually carried out manually, suffering from time-consuming, costly, potentially dangerous tasks. The advancements in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and computer vision technologies have demonstrated the potential to ...
Abstract: Identifying efficient processes for classifying text-based safety reports using Machine-Learning (ML) is an essential area of research. However, much of the previous work on the topic relies on supervised learning approaches, which are often manually intensive and require large volumes of pre-labeled data. To achieve reduced requirements for human intervention ...
Abstract: The interpretation of construction contracts is crucial to the management and success of a project. Correct and accurate interpretation could support the smooth construction of high-quality built assets. Misunderstanding and omissions may lead to costly rework and delay. One main challenge of construction contract interpretation lies in the length of ...
Abstract: In complex and dynamic construction sites, efficient progress monitoring and reporting play an important role in preventing schedule delays and cost overruns. Such reporting requires detailed and accurate records from job sites to help project managers in comparing project's current state to its as-planned state for enabling timely corrective actions. ...
Abstract: Construction is looking closely as Industry 4.0 paradigm (I4.0) transforms many processes in Manufacturing. Technologies associated with I4.0 were born out of the ever-present necessity of automation (and integration) on the shop floor, as well as of better management in product lifecycle with computer-aided software. Although indeed relevant outside Manufacturing, ...
Abstract: After the COVID-19 outbreak, a new concept of building maintenance (BM) systems is needed because current approaches highly rely on physical contact between workers, engineers, and managers. It imposes health and safety risks as increasing concerns about infections and spreads. This adds burdens to take unavoidable close contact and health ...
Abstract: With the use of digital data, in conjunction with technologies such as BIM and digital twin, construction professionals have the ability to monitor the progress efficiently and perform detailed quality assessments. The rapid development of multiple data acquisition technologies, such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and photogrammetry techniques, has allowed ...
Abstract: The Mobile Gantry is a robot architecture in which a rail-less gantry rolls directly on the unprepared planetary surface. Mud Dauber is a prototype of this architecture developed to enable testing of the concept and understand the capabilities and limitations of the architecture. This paper describes the major ...
Abstract: Nowadays civil infrastructure is exposed to several chal-lenges such as daily vehicular traffic and extreme weather conditions. It is well known that these may determine struc-tural deterioration and damages, which can even cause catas-trophic collapses related to significant socio-economic losses. For this reason automatic inspection and maintenance are expected to ...
Abstract: uring the last few years, the importance of prefabrication and its digitalization has grown significantly in the construc-tion industry. In this context, a German construction com-pany intended to extend an existing warehouse application into a system that additionally monitors production time to identify the bottleneck. In this case study, a ...
Abstract: Robotics automation is a promising solution for the fab-rication of structures made out of reinforced concrete. The reinforcement is often installed directly in the form and bar-by-bar. Using bigger pre-fabricated units (cages) may be ben-eficial for saving construction time and better labor safety. In this paper, we focus on the ...
Abstract: National Highways commissioned the development of a Roadmap for Connected and Autonomous Plant (CAP), which proposed a programme of activities which would aim to deliver the widespread deployment of CAP. A particu-lar milestone activity identified as an early target within the Roadmap was the development of a taxonomy for under-standing ...
Abstract: Oil and Gas (O&G) projects have complex engineering endeavours. A digital information management process is vital to increasing efficiency due to projects' size and complexity. The industrial plants' commissioning is regarding on-site testing to check performance and ensure final compliance of all equipment and systems installed. On-site commissioning procedures are ...
Abstract: The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has undergone a significant and radical transformation in its design and documentation process as it evolved from the days of the drafting board to today's Building Information Modeling (BIM) process. As BIM remains the center of this transformation, it is important to keep ...
Abstract: One of the primary drivers of inefficiencies plaguing con-struction projects world over is the lack of efficient process control in the construction process. This paper explores the idea of construction process control through BIM based qual-ity control. It discusses the challenges of practically imple-menting BIM based quality control on a ...
Abstract: The applicability of wireless 5G network to the information communication needs of autonomous excavations is studied. An autonomous excavator developed by the University of Oulu is used for the experiments in a 5G test network at the Linnanmaa Campus of the University of Oulu. In the experiments, remote and autonomous ...
Abstract: In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, Industry 4.0 can be the silver lining of the construction industry which has been facing daunting chronic problems for decades. The transformative impact of Industry 4.0 which has been well documented in the industrial sector has spurred interested among construction researcher to ...
Abstract: In construction projects, the space required for executing each activity is unanimously recognized as a limited but renewable resource, like workers, equipment, and materials. Overloading a given resource space, as demonstrated by statistics, leads to efficiency losses and safety threats. Despite the valuable contributions provided by academics and the construction ...
Abstract: State-of-the-art building energy systems exhibit a high technical complexity. In the commissioning phase, technical building elements (TBE) are put into operation trade-by-trade and as linked complete systems. Besides the correct wiring on component level, instantiating the building automation and detecting errors is a cumbersome process in practice. The paper addresses ...
Abstract: Sharing building data or building models still represents a problem within design practices in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Additionally, digitalization, automation or traceability of processes face numerous workflows and changing stakeholder constellations, with multiple software tools escaping the scopes of common data environments or similar digital solutions. Vague ...
Abstract: Digital technologies are taking place in all spheres of the society and affecting every business sector including the construction industry. As a key player of the industry, local government in New Zealand invests in numerous digitalised Asset Management Information Systems (AMIS) in order to efficiently and effectively manage its infrastructure ...
Abstract: As innovations in construction robotics are being tested and deployed on site thanks to technological advancements in computing and sensing, Civil Engineering researchers must consider how to connect real-world innovations with research and teaching at a much faster pace. Observing the practice helps identify problems and test engineering solutions and ...
Abstract: Automation of construction processes facilitates increased productivity and overall higher project performance. This paper presents a methodology for comparative assessment of different construction processes and selection of an optimal solution based on appropriate automation implementation. Construction processes are quantitatively evaluated using a methodology combining case-based reasoning and compositional modeling. Through ...
Abstract: As one of the most hazardous industries, the construction sector is specifically dangerous due to its dynamic and unexpected working conditions. Among all the occupational risks, Fall From Height (FFH) accidents remain the riskiest ones for a long time, resulting in a huge loss for projects. Although numerous technologies have ...
Abstract: The construction industry is characterized by low productivity and inefficient processes. In addition, the level of digitalization and automation in this industry is low compared to other industries. Although the added values of using robots in the industry have been known for a long time and the technology has been ...
Abstract: Construction documentation is necessary on every project. Information captured must be accurate, timely and actionable. With several technologies and techniques available, the aim of this study is to determine the current state of the industry on this topic. The objectives of this study are to investigate the status of construction ...
Abstract: This paper discusses the estimation of the swing angle and digging depth during the excavation operation. The abil-ity to calculate the excavator's productivity is an essential step toward autonomous excavators. The swing angle and digging depth have significant effects on the excavator's pro-ductivity and must be taken into account for ...
Abstract: For successfully training neural networks, developers often require large and carefully labelled datasets. However, gathering such high-quality data is often time-consuming and prohibitively expensive. Thus, synthetic data are used for developing AI (Artificial Intelligence) /ML (Machine Learning) models because their generation is comparatively faster and inexpensive. The paper presents a ...
Abstract: The construction industry is one of the most hazardous industries in the world. In addition, past literature highlighted that about 50% of the hazard remains unrecognized in the construction work environment, resulting in catastrophic consequences. Construction Safety Training (CST) is one of the best safety interventions to deal with this. ...
Abstract: Close to 15% of the world's surface area is semiarid where 1.1 billion of the most vulnerable people on earth live. In contrast to arid, semiarid regions have substantial rainfall albeit it quickly evaporates and therefore vegetation and biomass growth are limited. A new concept calls for terrain ...
Abstract: Construction remains among the most hazardous workplaces, thus a significant amount of time and effort in reporting and investigating the accident occurrences has been done in the past decades by government agencies. In light of construction safety, analyzing textual information in construction accident records may assist in our comprehension of ...