A review on internet of things solutions for enhancing construction equipment fleet productivity

Abstract

The construction business is an ever changing industry facing increasingly bigger challenges, complexity and above all fierce competition. Contractors, in particular those managing fleet of construction equipment, have to cut their margins, increase the efficiency of their work force and assets, and control their total cost of ownership (TCO) to ensure an acceptable return on investment (ROI). As such, the business evolved in many ways to be cost-efficient. For instance, construction equipment manufacturers have focused on optimizing engine productivity, hydraulic versatility, and mechanical robustness, among many others. However, recent trends segued into delivering smart machines capable of reporting and adjusting equipment operators' behavior to achieve a better on-site fleet performance. This was made possible through the Internet of Things (IoT) and visualization tools by instrumenting construction equipment and devising advanced technological and on-board sensory systems as well as allowing the transfer of relevant information over a shared network within a 3D environment. The objective of this paper is thereby twofold: (1) shed light on the latest approaches developed from tracking systems, load weighing systems, onboard operator assists to help equipment operators in spatial navigation, and (2) examine current virtual systems used to interactively visualize instrumented fleet of equipment and provide proactive on-site monitoring. The review revealed that there is substantial room for improvement and adoption of new tools targeted at reducing inefficiencies, improving fleet productivity, and producing higher quality results, in less time and with less effort.

Overview of Emerging Technologies for Improving the Performance of Heavy-Duty Construction Machines

“…Naskoudakis et al [11] Papers on equipment management were divided into seven categories: maintenance, productivity, operator competency, automation, innovation, environment, optimization. Zankoul et al [12] Reviewed publications related to Internet of Things (IoTs) applications in construction machinery. Activity recognition (workers and equipment) Sherafat et al [13] Analyzed worker and equipment activity recognition techniques using most up-todate literature.…”