Moragane, H P M N L B; Perera, B A K S; Palihakkara, A D and Ekanayake, B (2024) Application of computer vision for construction progress monitoring: A qualitative investigation. Construction Innovation, 24(2), pp. 446-469. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Construction progress monitoring (CPM) is considered a difficult and tedious task in construction projects, which focuses on identifying discrepancies between the as-built product and the as-planned design. Computer vision (CV) technology is applied to automate the CPM process. However, the synergy between the CV and CPM in literature and industry practice is lacking. This study aims to fulfil this research gap. Design/methodology/approach: A Delphi qualitative approach was used in this study by conducting two interview rounds. The collected data was analysed using manual content analysis. Findings: This study identified seven stages of CPM; data acquisition, information retrieval, verification, progress estimation and comparison, visualisation of the results and schedule updating. Factors such as higher accuracy in data, less labourious process, efficiency and near real-time access are some of the significant enablers in instigating CV for CPM. Major challenges identified were occlusions and lighting issues in the site images and lack of support from the management. The challenges can be easily overcome by implementing suitable strategies such as familiarisation of the workforce with CV technology and application of CV research for the construction industry to grow with the technology in line with other industries. Originality/value: This study addresses the gap pertaining to the synergy between the CV in CPM literature and the industry practice. This research contributes by enabling the construction personnel to identify the shortcomings and the opportunities to apply automated technologies concerning each stage in the progress monitoring process.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | challenges; computer vision; construction progress monitoring; Delphi study; enablers; strategies |
| Index terms: | visualization, methodology, construction project, progress monitoring, content analysis, construction personnel, strategy, accuracy, interview, computer vision, construction industry, information retrieval, data acquisition, synergy, investigation, qualitative approach, estimation, efficiency, Delphi method |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, partnership management, data management, project controls, professional development, computer vision, production management, research methods, performance management, design practice, management, financial and cost management, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, workforce |
| Topics: | Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Time Control, Human Resources, Quality Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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