The Integration of Earthwork Design Review and Planning Using UAV-Based Point Cloud and BIM

Abstract

Earthwork is seemingly guesswork, but it requires a high level of accuracy and precise planning. Differences between earthwork design and finishing levels cause project delays and cost overrun due to the time-consuming nature of earthwork re-work. Therefore, error-free earthwork planning and design review is a key to the success of earthwork projects. This study utilized an integrated approach of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based point cloud and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to verify the design and to operate the earthwork planning. The integrated approach was proposed and applied to a 420 square meters housing construction project to review an original earthwork design and create an earthwork plan for excavator work. As a result, errors in earthwork design that caused by inaccurate initial DEM was revealed, thus the earthwork design was revised with a UAV-based point cloud map. Additionally, the integrated approach was able to generate an explicit task sequence for an excavator.

Proposal for the Integration of the Assessment and Management of Electrical Risk from Overhead Power Lines in BIM for Road Projects

“…The parameterization established at the OPL BIM object level and in the creation of the BIM model allows its adaptation for risk analysis in the construction phase. In this way, a highly detailed model can be generated by integrating it with the terrain models obtained with LiDAR [ 51 ], which can be applied in site monitoring using UVS [ 52 ], by integrating the real definition of the OPL with LiDAR and its transformation into objects [ 54 ].…”

“…Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology is increasingly used for the digitization of the environment in road projects [ 48 ], for the creation of the Digital Surface Model [ 51 ], and for the monitoring of excavations [ 52 ]. This digitization of the environment is being integrated into BIM for better information management [ 53 ].…”

Mining Exploration with UAV, Low-Cost Thermal Cameras and GIS Tools—Application to the Specific Case of the Complex Sulfides Hosted in Carbonates of Udías (Cantabria, Spain)

“…It is recommended that the flight be supported with ground control points (GCPs), which allow the generated products to be scaled and oriented with respect to an established reference system. The layout of the GCPs is one of the most influential parameters for the accuracy of the result [43][44][45]. It is recommended that this setting be regular along the perimeter and interior area to be represented.…”

Perceived Usefulness of Airborne LiDAR Technology in Road Design and Management: A Review

“…The combination of UAV and LiDAR provides excellent data [21]. Data from LiDARs are able to produce earthworks information [119], whereas images from UAVs provide a clear picture of the study area [120,121]. Apart from that, the issue of limited budget allocation is raised in the small and medium-scale designs for using airborne LiDAR [19].The use of UAVs is considered as another good alternative for this situation [122].…”