Wireless Sensor Networks Configurations for Applications in Construction

Abstract

The global wireless sensor networks market is forecasted to increase at a 14.4% annual growth rate through 2016 [1]. This emerging technology trend is fueled by recent availability of sensors that are smaller, cheaper, and more intelligent. Wireless sensor networks have many potential applications in construction management such as progress tracking, equipment management, surveillance, site safety and others. This paper focuses on designing and configuring wireless sensor networks hardware and software for selected construction applications. The framework is design based on application's objective using a rapid prototyping and iterative system refinement mechanism. The rapid prototyping allows early evaluation of the configured system behavior and performance. The proposed design incorporates a self-adaptive computing concept, which is able to self-control its internal functions and operations, while adapting to the continually changing job site environment. Five prototype designs are presented to support current practices of construction operations in outdoor and indoor environments. The paper articulates the designs objectives, system functionalities, hardware constraints and the performance measures. The developed hardware were tested in real time, and quickly adjusted until targeted performance measures were satisfied. The obtained results show the consistency of the developed prototypes with their experimental applications and their efficiency in comparison to traditional practices.