Automated Computer Vision-Based Construction Progress Monitoring: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The progress monitoring (PM) of construction projects is an essential aspect of project control that enables the stakeholders to make timely decisions to ensure successful project delivery, but ongoing practices are largely manual and document-centric. However, the integration of technologically advanced tools into construction practices has shown the potential to automate construction PM (CPM) using real-time data collection, analysis, and visualization for effective and timely decision making. In this study, we assess the level of automation achieved through various methods that enable automated computer vision (CV)-based CPM. A detailed literature review is presented, discussing the complete process of CV-based CPM based on the research conducted between 2011 and 2021. The CV-based CPM process comprises four sub-processes: data acquisition, information retrieval, progress estimation, and output visualization. Most techniques encompassing these sub-processes require human intervention to perform the desired tasks, and the inter-connectivity among them is absent. We conclude that CV-based CPM research is centric on resolving technical feasibility studies using image-based processing of site data, which are still experimental and lack connectivity to its applications for construction management. This review highlighted the most efficient techniques involved in the CV-based CPM and accentuated the need for the inter-connectivity between sub-processes for an effective alternative to traditional practices.

A critical appraisal of traditional methods of construction progress monitoring

“…This plan is used to guide the project team in the execution of the project and to track progress over time. The project manager is responsible for overseeing the project plan and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that the project stays on track and within budget (Sami Ur Rehman et al ., 2022a, b). To complete the construction project on time, achieve expected time-related goals and stay aware of the status of the project at any given time, construction project management teams conduct continuous worksite inspections throughout the lifecycle of the project; usually termed as ‘construction progress monitoring’ or ‘construction progress tracking’ (Mantel and Meredith, 2009).…”

“…Project monitoring and control are responsible for safeguarding the project from any delays, cost overrun. CPM typically involves regular inspections of the construction site and the use of tools such as Gantt charts, project management software and progress reports to track progress and identify areas for improvement (Sami Ur Rehman and Shafiq, 2022).…”

“…Construction project delays are a common problem in the industry, and they can have a significant impact on the overall success of a project (Sami Ur Rehman et al ., 2022a, b). According to estimates, more than 80% of construction projects experience some level of delay.…”

“…Many projects are managed using different methodologies and tools, which makes it difficult for project managers to compare their progress with others and identify best practices. Furthermore, the access to untimely information for project control, disconnect between project monitoring and control processes and monitoring information often being delayed and trapped in current document-centric manual process are among the key issues as reported by the existing knowledge (Ekanayake et al ., 2021; Omar and Nehdi, 2016; Sami Ur Rehman and Tariq Shafiq, 2021).…”

“…Studies have examined the use of various technologies, such as building information modeling (BIM), drones and sensor networks, to improve the accuracy and efficiency of progress monitoring (Omar and Nehdi, 2016). Other studies have looked at the use of advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze data from construction projects and identify potential issues before they occur (Sami Ur Rehman et al ., 2022a, b). Further research endeavors have explored how project managers can use progress monitoring to identify and address issues, such as delays and cost overruns, that may arise during the construction process (Hegazy, 2013).…”