Ward, M J (2004) The capture and integration of construction site data. EngD thesis, Loughborough University, UK.
Abstract
The use of mobile computing on the construction site has been a well-researched area since the early 1990s. However, there remains a lack of computing on the construction site. Where computers are utilised on the site, this tends to be by knowledge workers utilising a laptop or PC in the site office with electronic data collection being the exception rather than the norm. The problems associated with paper-based documentation on the construction site have long been recognised yet there seems to be reluctance to replace this with electronic alternatives. Many reasons exist for this such as; low profit margins, perceived high cost; perceived lack of available hardware and perceived inability of the workforce. However, the benefits that can be gained from the successful implementation of IT on the construction site and the ability to re-use construction site data to improve company performance, whilst difficult to cost, are clearly visible. This thesis represents the development and implementation of a data capture system for the management of the construction of rotary bored piles (SHERPA). Operated by the site workforce, SHERPA comprises a wireless network, site-based server and webbased data capture using tablet computers. This research intends to show that mobile computing technologies can be implemented on the construction site and substantial benefits can be gained for the company from the re-use and integration of the captured site data.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | data; integration; mobile computing; site; workforce |
| Index terms: | implementation, hardware, mobile computing, re-use, integration, computing, construction site, profit, documentation |
| Subjects: | digital technology, work location, contractual arrangements, economic analysis, computing systems, computer hardware, organizational analysis, health safety and environment, professional development |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Procurement, Business Strategy, Information Management, Digital Applications, Site Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here