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49
th
ASC Annual International Conference Proceedings Copyright 2013 by the Associated Schools of Construction
Tracking Systems in Construction: Applications and
Comparisons
Elhami Nasr, Ph.D., PMP; Tariq Shehab, Ph.D and Ana Vlad
California State University, Long Beach.
Locating resources on construction sites has been a challenging task. Due to this challenge, the
worldwide construction industry has claimed $2.7 trillion of untapped resources (e.g. tools). To
overcome this problem and in an effort to efficiently utilize all available resources, the use of
tracking technologies is suggested. This paper presents three affordable technologies that have
proven their effectiveness in many construction applications. These technologies are Ultra-Wide
Bands (UWB), Radio Frequency Identification Cards (RFID) and Global Positioning Systems
(GPS). It describes the principle of operations and applications of the presented technologies.
Furthermore, it compares between presented technologies in terms of performance and cost.
Key Words: Automation, RFID, GPS, UWB, Asset Tracking
Introduction
Wireless communication tools play important roles in the construction industry. Although IPhones have
demonstrated very good performance in many construction applications such as, creating and tracking bid processes;
navigating 3D Building Information Models (BIM) and their associated data; creating and saving CAD drawings
and performing many electrical/mechanical/carpentry/drywall/concrete/excavation calculations, they might not be
very suitable tools for tracking of resources, specially tools (Rodriguez 2013).
Locating resources on construction sites has been a challenging task for many project managers. Untapped resources
(e.g. tools) was claimed to be largely contributing to wastes in the construction industry (Holness 2008). The cost of
wasted/lost materials and tools could be equivalent to $0.75 trillion and $2.7 trillion in the US and worldwide,
respectively (Holness 2008). Another major problem in the construction industry is safety. The rate of injuries and
fatal accidents is considered higher in construction compared to many other industries (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration 2009).
In the attempt to solve these problems without substantial investment costs and by using easily applicable and
affordable technologies, researchers have focused on developing efficient location tracking systems to be utilized for
asset tracking and safety assurance.
This paper presents a comprehensive literature review of the current research efforts in use and development of
automated tracking systems that improve operations and maximize safety on construction sites. It focuses on three
affordable technologies that have proved their effectiveness in many construction applications. These technologies
are Ultra-Wide Bands (UWB), Radio Frequency Identification Cards (RFID) and Global Positioning Systems
(GPS). The paper explores the most applicable tracking technologies for specific construction applications,
considering performance and cost as major criteria. This exploration effort was conducted based on a series of
recent case studies, technical articles and data collected from manufacturers. Cost information was acquired either
from published articles or by contacting system manufacturers and/or suppliers.
Understanding Tracking Systems
The GPS was developed by the United States Department of Defense as a reliable means of navigation for military
applications, but in 1983, the government made this technology available for civilian uses. The system is based on a
set of satellites that orbits the earth at high altitudes and is designed to operate 24 hours a day.