Incorporating the progress measurement dimension to an integrated building information system: a research framework

Abstract

The accurate measurement of work in progress on construction sites is important for calculating interim payments as well as for business and project management functions like schedule and cost control. Currently it still takes place using traditional building surveying techniques and visual inspections. However the usually monthly measurements are not frequent and accurate enough, incorporating judgement and shortcuts. An EPSRC funded collaborative research is looking at supporting the measurement of work in progress on construction sites using computer vision technology within the context of an integrated building information system. In particular, the research aims to develop a system that automatically measures the progress of construction from digital images captured on site, analyses the progress against the original schedule in order to identify any potential delays and calculates interim payments. The paper presents the initial findings from the research and a development framework for the proposed system.

KEYWORDS: progress measurement, integrated building information system, computer vision.