Performance of electronic devices for bridging existing information gaps at construction sites: the case of a developing country

Abstract

Effective communication is of particular importance in advancing construction. However, limited research has been conducted on information gaps that create important barriers to construction progress and methods of bridging such gaps at construction sites. This article presents original results on existing communication practices and deficiencies at 106 construction sites in Iran. It also experimentally tests integrating construction processes with information technology to improve productivity, quality and safety. A field study and site experiments are presented. The performance of five electronic packages (including QR code tags, smartphone locators, electronic construction kiosks, smartphone cameras mounted on crane hooks and virtual reality building information models) was evaluated. The evaluation was based on continuous and direct study during various operations and real-time observations. This article shows that a real-time multi-channel communication platform at construction sites is crucial to prevent the trailer rebar from being idle during unloading; provide the real-time positioning of trucks; increase crane productivity, reduce the idle time of ready-mixed concrete trucks, share the expected arrival of vital materials, generate live as-built data; and prevent fatal accidents. Insights provided by the paper findings are expected to contribute to improving e-communication avenues at smart construction sites for integrating construction processes with information technology.