Cell-based construction site simulation model for earthmoving operations using real-time equipment location data

Abstract

Background: Simulation is a proven technique for effective construction site layout planning and heavy equipment resource optimization. Traditional simulation uses historical data as input for task durations. Data is fed into activity cycle diagrams which many times do not consider any of the rapidly changing spatial constraints that are present on a construction site. Very little research has been conducted towards more realistic, real-time simulation involving data gathering from live actors and documenting the effect of potential changes to such a spatial-temporal work environment. Methods: Cell-based simulation, incorporating continuous spatial changes to the site layout during project operations and real-time Global Positioning System (GPS) location tracking data from equipment resources, is introduced for more realistic and rapid modeling. The potential of analyzing and visualizing the effects of spatial consideration of varying resource combinations in earthmoving cycles on productivity and site congestion are explored. It provides insight and awareness in decision making for resource management, site layout and internal traffic control planning. Results: The proposed cell-based simulation system handles complex and more realistic scenarios. Various cell parameters were tested in a case study of common earthmoving operations. The advantages of the cell-based over a traditional simulation model include ease of visualization and simplicity in modeling spatial constraints (e.g., ramp restricting traffic to one-way flow). The system provides full control over the flow of resources by using predefined rules or algorithms. It simplifies the design process since, except for some certain key cells, other ordinary cells followed the same rules without being programmed individually. Future research may involve multiple, non-interacting crews competing for resources and study of time-space conflicts in more detail. Conclusions: The presented cell-based simulation system is able to model and visualize the cyclic activities of earthmoving equipment that occur on a construction site in greater detail than previous simulation methods have done. Using near real-time location data from equipment as input value in the simulation helps construction site project engineers, planners, and managers to improve coordination and monitoring of such construction resources.

Fusing passive RFID and BIM for increased accuracy in indoor localization

“…Sensors of different types have been tested and proven in the outdoor construction industry. GPS technology, uses trilateration from multiple satellites, provides context-aware information and does not require any pre-installed infrastructure for location determination (Pradhananga and Teizer 2015, Vasenev et al 2014, Behzadan et al 2008. Trilateration is one of the basic principles of location estimation, in which it uses three or more data points -with additional information such as signal strength -to determine relative position of an object.…”

“…Location-aware computing offers significant potential of improving such manual processes and supporting important decision making tasks in the field ). There have been a variety of technologies (e.g., Ultra Wideband, Global Positioning System, laser scanner) utilized to produce visualizations of the locations of resources on a construction site (Khoury and Kamat 2009, Pradhananga and Teizer 2013, Vasenev et al 2014, Pradhananga and Teizer 2015, Cheng et al 2013c, Cheng et al 2013d. However, there is a lack of real-time data visualization of such technologies within an indoor environment to determine a person's location inside the facility, as well as an aid for navigation (Teizer et al 2013, Cheng andTeizer 2013, b).…”

Magnetic Field Proximity Detection and Alert Technology for Safe Heavy Construction Equipment Operation

“…Further testing, like it has been suggested by [37][38][39][40][41][42], is required to explore other types of vehicles in different settings, among other research or development tasks that integrate the technology into existing construction site safety engineering and management approaches.…”

Automated Collection, Identification, Localization, and Analysis of Worker-Related Proximity Hazard Events in Heavy Construction Equipment Operation

“…Further information might be useful, such as, is the worker located in a blind spot? Combining the approach with operator head pose tracking [28] and real-time pro-active alert technology [10,[29][30][31][32] are probably extensions and guide next steps in research.…”