Techniques for Tracking RFID Tags in a BIM Model

Abstract

Academicians and industry professionals have demonstrated the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags in construction applications in the past few years. Recently building information modelling (BIM) technology is emerging as the industry standard in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. This paper combines the two technologies to monitor the movement of RFID tags in a BIM environment. Real-time monitoring of RFID tags in a building information model is an improvement over other methods of tracking construction workers, equipment and materials on the jobsite. Strategies for combining the two technologies are explored. This method of monitoring can be used to improve the safety and productivity of construction workers on a construction jobsite. This technique of monitoring RFID tags can also be used to track equipment and construction materials on a job-site. Autodesk Revit BIM software environment was used for tracking RFID tags. The paper includes discussion about the choice of RFID tags available for this method of tracking.