Semi automatic construction progress measurement using a combination of CAD modelling, photogrammetry and construction knowledge

Bayrak, T (2008) Semi automatic construction progress measurement using a combination of CAD modelling, photogrammetry and construction knowledge. PhD thesis, Heriot-Watt University, UK.

Abstract

Project managers are lacking up-to-date information about the current stage of the work on the site and they are unable to take corrective measures for the planning variations promptly. It is proposed that the method created within this thesis will reduce this problem greatly by supplying project managers with the data they need to understand schedule and cost variances as early as they occur. This gives them the power to step in and act in good time against the problems by identifying the reasons of the variations much earlier. This thesis is one of the attempts within academia about integrating computer based solutions to monitor and visualise construction progress. Photogrammetric measurements offer reliable results at the cost of more human intervention. This approach offers the possibility of using a hand held camera as a measurement tool. This method also offers complete independence from reliance on the planning and design stage information. Hence, it can be used to re-evaluate, or monitor changes during the project life-cycle. Visible physical body of a superstructure level reinforced concrete frame structure consists of walls, floors, beams, and columns. The building regulations and local construction traditions impose the types and the shapes of these structural elements. The manufacturing industry produces building materials such as bricks and floor blocks in standard sizes. Therefore, it can be seen that knowledge about the design criteria of structural elements or the standard sizes of materials available on the market for construction can be used to create 3D models of building components. A Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) code was created to support these theories and presented in this thesis. The code then was tested and proven to be useful. After comparing the manual measurement results against the outcomes of the case study done for testing the proposed model, it has been revealed that the proposed model can produce 3D model of construction with accurate sizes within similar mistake margins which can be achieved manually.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Kaka, A
Uncontrolled Keywords: beams; building regulation; columns; cost variance; regulation; reinforced concrete; variations; project manager
Index terms: modelling, testing, cost variance, progress measurement, beam, building material, academia, 3D model, frame structure, building regulation, case study, project manager, building component, variation, regulation, design stage, reinforced concrete, manufacturing industry, column
Subjects: analytical methods, professional practice, building materials, profession, computational design, data collection methods, financial analysis, political science, regulatory law, industry analysis, educational institutions, project controls, contractual condition, structural engineering, architectural elements
Topics: Education, Legal Issues, Engineering Principles, Contract Administration, Time Control, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Roles and Professions, Governance, Cost Management, Construction Materials, Research Practice
Descriptive scope: 3 PCE

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