Automated Data Collection for Progress Tracking Purposes: A Review of Related Techniques

Abstract

The automated data collection of civil infrastructure projects, whether under construction, newly put into service, or in operation has been receiving increased attention by researchers and practitioners. Such real-time progress tracking is essential for the active monitoring of production during the construction phase of a project and for the built assets during their service lives. Automatic progress tracking can result in timely detection of potential time delays and construction discrepancies and directly supports project control decision-making. This paper outlines recent research efforts in this field and technological developments that aim to facilitate project management toward achieving project objectives. 3D imaging, geo-spatial, enhanced IT, and augmented reality technologies have recently achieved significant advances in this field. These technologies are discussed and compared herein in terms of their strengths and limitations to identify various trends concerning their applicability in data acquisition for construction projects and to formulate recommendations for their suitability in different projects. Prospects for improvement and challenges that can be expected in future research and development are considered. It is hoped that this discussion will assist construction stakeholders in choosing appropriate data collection tools, and motivate further research and development to assist in delivering projects on time and within budget.