Real-time environmental monitoring, visualization, and notification system for construction H&S management

Abstract

Construction workers who are exposed to hot and humid environments are at high risk of heat stress. Excessive exposure to such environments can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Acquisition of sensor data from such environments is essential to ensure improved Health and Safety (H&S) of workers. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers a new epitome to provide comprehensive solutions for H&S and evacuation planning in buildings. Researchers around the globe have presented hybrid solutions for integrating different sensing technologies with BIM such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) readers and sensors. A review and critical evaluation of literature on integrated solutions of BIM with various sensing technologies is performed in order to present a hybrid solution based on BIM and Wireless Sensors Network (WSN) along with a notification system for real-time environmental monitoring of buildings. The application, entitled “Real-Time Environmental Monitoring, Visualization and Notification System”, is expected to provide a new horizon for effective visualization, reliable data capturing and catering to time sensitive emergency situations for construction H&S management. The paper will also outline scope of future research in this domain.