Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a new methodology for monitoring construction progress using smartphones. This is done by proposing a new system consisting of a newly-developed application named 'BIM-U' and a mobile Augmented Reality (AR) channel named 'BIM-Phase'.'BIM-U' is an Android application that allows the end-user to update the progress of activities onsite. This data is used to update the project's 4D model enhanced with different cost parameters such as earned value, actual cost, and planned value. The 'BIM-Phase' application is a mobile AR channel that is utilised during construction phase through implementing a 4D 'asplanned' phased model integrated with an augmented video showing real or planned progress. PurposeCurrent researchers have attempted to facilitate the process of monitoring construction projects. Classic practice for construction progress tracking relies on paper reports, which entails a serious amount of manual data collection as well as the effort of imagining the actual progress from the paperwork. FindingsThe results from the project are then analysed and assessed to anticipate the potential of these and similar techniques for tracking time and cost on construction projects. Originality/valueThe proposed system through 'BIM-U' and 'BIM Phase' exploits the potential of mobile applications and Augmented Reality (AR) in construction through the use of handheld mobile devices to offer new possibilities for measuring and monitoring work progress using Building Information Modelling. Keywords:Building Information Modelling, Augmented Reality, Handheld mobile devices, Construction Project Tracking, Progress Monitoring. IntroductionCurrently, handheld mobile devices are being used for a wide variety different applications. In the construction context, this includes Augmented Reality, and the portability and accessibility (time) and '5D' (cost) data, for the design, construction, and operation of built assets -have been widely publicised. Among these benefits, several relate to the potential for improvement in the productivity of onsite operations. In particular, according to this includes project tracking abilities, and the ability to facilitate interactions and share information among project participants in real-time.Effective progress tracking relies on periodic reports, which traditionally require manual data collection and entail frequent transcription . Recent researchers have demonstrated how the mixing of virtual information with the real environment can be more efficient and effective in this respect. Golparvar-Fard et al. (2006) reported that most project meetings are spent explaining and describing the rationale behind the decision-making process and less frequently involve value-adding tasks, such as evaluating and predicting the effects of a decision on the project. Moreover, low effectiveness rates on these decision-making tasks are reported. The process of understanding drawings, documents, specifications, etc. that take place during the project's lif...

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