Methodology for real-time monitoring of construction operations using finite state machines and discrete-event operation models

Enabling real-time and remote monitoring of construction operations is currently a very difficult task given the spread of the construction worksite and the complexity and diversity of processes involved. This situation persists despite the growing availability of instrumentation on construction equipment and other sensors on the construction worksite that can provide real-time but isolated information about the operation. This paper provides a methodology that enables the real-time monitoring of construction operations by synthesizing sensor data through the consideration of resources as finite-state machines that provide real-time input to a context-rich operation model that codifies the construction process. The framework extends the utility of simulation modeling and analysis from the planning to the construction phase by enabling the model to be advanced by the entities that perform work on the construction site, thereby making the model accurately reflect the latest state of the operation in the real world. Real-time monitoring is the first step toward real-time and remote control of construction worksites at the operations level. This paper also describes an earthmoving operation that was performed in a virtual construction site to demonstrate the real-time monitoring capabilities of the developed methodology.