Multimodal Image Retrieval from Construction Databases and Model-Based Systems

In the modern and dynamic construction environment it is important to access information in a fast and efficient manner in order to improve the decision making processes for construction managers. This capability is, in most cases, straightforward with today’s technologies for data types with an inherent structure that resides primarily on established database structures like estimating and scheduling software. However, previous research has demonstrated that a significant percentage of construction data is stored in semi-structured or unstructured data formats (text, images, etc.) and that manually locating and identifying such data is a very hard and time-consuming task. This paper focuses on construction site image data and presents a novel image retrieval model that interfaces with established construction data management structures. This model is designed to retrieve images from related objects in project models or construction databases using location, date, and material information (extracted from the image content with pattern recognition techniques).     

Shape-Based Retrieval of Construction Site Photographs

Digital photographs of construction site activities are gradually replacing their traditional paper based counterparts. Existing digital imaging technologies in hardware and software make it easy for site engineers to take numerous photographs of “interesting” processes and activities on a daily basis. The resulting photographic data are evidence of the “as-built” project, and can therefore be used in a number of project life cycle tasks. However, the task of retrieving the relevant photographs needed in these tasks is often burdened by the sheer volume of photographs accumulating in project databases over time and the numerous objects present in each photograph. To solve this problem, the writers have recently developed a number of complementary techniques that can automatically classify and retrieve construction site images according to a variety of criteria (materials, time, date, location, etc.). This paper presents a novel complementary technique that can automatically identify linear (i.e., beam, column) and nonlinear (i.e., wall, slab) construction objects within the image content and use that information to enhance the performance of the writers’ existing construction site image retrieval approach.     

Case-Based Reasoning for Construction Hazard Identification: Case Representation and Retrieval

This paper proposes a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach to construction hazard identification that facilitates systematic feedback of past knowledge in the form of incident cases and hazard identification. This paper focuses on two of the key components of the CBR approach: (1) a detailed knowledge representation scheme, developed based on the modified loss causation model, to codify incident cases and past hazard identification and (2) an intelligent retrieval mechanism that can automatically retrieve relevant past cases. The detailed knowledge representation scheme presented herein is designed to model both incident cases and hazard identification so that both types of knowledge repository can be retrieved simultaneously and adapted for use. The scheme also includes a linguistic structure used to facilitate indexing of cases. The retrieval mechanism is based on the concept of similarity scoring. In this paper, a novel scoring technique based on semantic networks is presented. A case study is presented to demonstrate and validate the proposed approach.     

Emerging Tools to Enable Construction Engineering

Those working within the domain of construction engineering—the planning and management of the construction of infrastructure assets—today employ a wide range of information technology tools. The vast majority of these tools are used on desktop computers processing tabular information associated with scheduling, tracking, updating statuses, reporting, and similar tasks. In spite of the significant penetration of information technology into construction engineering, there is little direct reuse of the engineering information created during the design phase. Likewise, access to rich engineering information and applications to exploit this information have yet to be extended to mobile workers on the construction jobsite in any significant way. This paper explores a sampling of some of the emerging information technology tools that may be effectively applied to support construction engineering in the field.     

Success/Failure Factors and Performance Measures of Web-Based Construction Project Management Systems: Professionals’ Viewpoint

This paper presents the results of an empirical study conducted to refine the writers’ previous findings on potential factors that may influence performance of commercial Web-based project management systems (WPMSs) and potential measures that might be used to assess performance of such systems. Data used in this study were obtained from 39 professionals who had practical experience with WPMSs in construction projects. The results of the study confirm 42 factors that can potentially affect performance of WPMSs and 36 measures that can be used to evaluate such performance. These 42 factors are categorized into four distinct groups: characteristics of the project, the project team, the service provider, and the specific WPMS system used in the project. The 36 measures reflect performance of WPMSs in six different perspectives: strategic, schedule/time, cost, quality, risk, and communication. Findings presented in this paper can be used by researchers as a starting point for future research in the area of WPMS implementation and performance evaluation and may be used by practitioners in the industry as a useful guide to increase the likelihood of a successful WPMS adoption.     

Visualization of Construction Progress Monitoring with 4D Simulation Model Overlaid on Time-Lapsed Photographs

The ability to effectively communicate progress information and represent as-built and as-planned progress discrepancies are identified as key components for successful project management that allow corrective decisions to be made in a timely manner. However, current formats of reporting (e.g., textual progress reports, progress curves, and photographs) may not properly and quickly communicate project progress. Current monitoring methods also require manual data collection and extensive data extraction from different construction documents, which distract managers from the important task of decision making. Therefore, to facilitate progress monitoring, this paper proposes visualization of performance metrics that aims to represent progress deviations through superimposition of four-dimensional (4D) as-planned model over time-lapsed photographs in single and comprehensive visual imagery. As a part of the developed system, registration of the 4D model with photographs, augmenting photographs, and occlusion removal for progress images are presented. While contextual information is preserved, the as-built photographs are enhanced and augmented with 4D as-planned model in which the performance metrics are visualized. The augmented photographs provide a consistent platform for representing as-planned, as-built, and progress discrepancies information and facilitate communication and reporting processes.     

Visual Pattern Recognition Models for Remote Sensing of Civil Infrastructure

As-built models have been proven useful in many project-related applications, such as progress monitoring and quality control. However, they are not widely produced in most projects because a lot of effort is still necessary to manually convert remote sensing data from photogrammetry or laser scanning to an as-built model. In order to automate the generation of as-built models, the first and fundamental step is to automatically recognize infrastructure-related elements from the remote sensing data. This paper outlines a framework for creating visual pattern recognition models that can automate the recognition of infrastructure-related elements based on their visual features. The framework starts with identifying the visual characteristics of infrastructure element types and numerically representing them using image analysis tools. The derived representations, along with their relative topology, are then used to form element visual pattern recognition (VPR) models. So far, the VPR models of four infrastructure-related elements have been created using the framework. The high recognition performance of these models validates the effectiveness of the framework in recognizing infrastructure-related elements.     

Incorporating Domain Knowledge and Information Retrieval Techniques to Develop an Architectural/Engineering/Construction Online Product Search Engine

This paper introduces a domain-specific search engine, which was developed to take advantage of the growing online product information for surveying the virtual product market. Knowledge about a product was uniquely incorporated with query expansion operations and the extended Boolean model retrieval approach to handle issues associated with the search engine development. The search engine was designed to (1) represent and utilize the represented knowledge in the product domain; (2) identify online product information; and (3) then evaluate the collected online product information. A prototype search engine for testing was developed and statistically validated with five data sets with each data set being derived from a different type of product according to MasterFormat (Alexandria, Va.) categorization. The validation results indicated that compared with the tested general search engine or aggregated information service, the prototype was able to identify more distinct product manufacturers for procurement-related decision support.     

Cost Information Model for Managing Multiple Projects

Construction companies must deal with several projects at once, but a system to manage multiple projects is not fully developed yet. The first step towards developing such system is to design an information model that is suitable for managing multiple projects. This paper presents the cost-based project modeling (CBPM) method in contrast to the traditional activity-based project modeling methods. The CBPM uses cost as a core of the model along with other project information organized around it. The CBPM serves as a platform for integrating project information from multiple projects. Various types of construction costs are hierarchically modeled to generate corporate-wide information such as project performances, cash flows, and other predictive indicators. Based on the information model, an object-oriented database was developed to contain cost data across several projects. In the model, a module that connects to external systems is built into the model to enhance interactivity with the legacy systems and the industry standards. A prototype system was developed and tested with actual project data to validate the information processing capabilities of the model. The findings from the test indicate construction cost can be an excellent medium that can organize various types of information of multiple projects.     

Development of a Methodology for Live Capture and Reuse of Project Knowledge in Construction

The efforts to share and reuse knowledge generated on construction projects are undermined mainly by the loss of important insights and knowledge due to the time lapse in capturing the knowledge, staff turnover, and people’s reluctance to share knowledge. To address this, it is crucial for knowledge to be captured “live” in a collaborative environment while the project is being executed and presented in a format that will facilitate its reuse during and after the project. This paper uses a case study approach to investigate the end-users’ requirements for a methodology for the live capture and reuse of knowledge, and the shortcomings of current practice in meeting these requirements. A methodology for the live capture and reuse of project knowledge is then presented and discussed. The methodology, which comprises a web-based knowledge base, an integrated work-flow system and a project knowledge manager as the administrator, allows project knowledge to be captured live from ongoing projects. This also incorporates mechanisms to hasten knowledge validation and the dissemination of the knowledge once it has been validated.     

Difficulties and Hindrances Facing End Users of Electronic Information Exchange Systems in Design and Construction

Since information and communication technology (ICT) was introduced into the construction industry over a decade ago, the once fledging technologies have now been well developed. ICT has been commonly adopted, particularly in places where speedy construction is the norm, e.g., in Hong Kong. At the time when ICT is seemingly well developed, this paper aims at identifying the difficulties and hindrances facing the end users of such information exchange systems during design and construction and the consequential effects on project performance. Through literature review, a series of structured interviews, and a questionnaire survey, it is found that industry users welcomed the advancement of ICT, but that the necessary technical and psychological supports from their organizations were insufficiently provided. In addition, significant differences on the hindrances and their consequential effects have been identified between end users in the private sector and those in the public sector. The study findings have also highlighted factors impeding the smooth implementation of ICT systems at the end-user level, which would help organizations to formulate effective strategies to cope with ever-evolving communication technologies and changes in working style.     

Exploiting Knowledge Management: The Engineering and Construction Perspective

Construction companies have always relied on their knowledge assets to provide services to clients. In recent years the terminology “knowledge management” has been introduced. Knowledge management (KM) seeks to formalize the manner in which companies exploit their knowledge assets by harnessing organizational knowledge, promoting greater collaboration between groups with similar interests, capturing and using lessons learned on previous projects, etc. This paper investigates how major United States engineering design and construction firms are implementing knowledge management initiatives in order to identify best practice. It adopts a case study methodology to investigate companies’ strategy and implementation, people aspects, and metrics for performance. The study finds that there is a clear distinction between the knowledge management activities undertaken by large engineering design firms and those of construction firms. There is also a much greater emphasis on knowledge sharing, which is just one component of knowledge management. Moreover, some companies have specific KM initiatives while others have activities that are part of their normal business processes.     

MACROS: Multiobjective Automated Construction Resource Optimization System

This paper presents the development of a practical and automated system for optimizing the utilization of construction resources to simultaneously minimize project cost and duration while maximizing project quality. The system is named the Multiobjective Automated Construction Resource Optimization System (MACROS), and it incorporates four newly developed modules: (1) a multiobjective optimization module to quantify and optimize the impact of resource utilization decisions on construction duration, cost, and quality; (2) a relational database module to facilitate the storage and retrieval of construction scheduling and optimization data; (3) a middleware module to provide seamless integration between the internal modules in MACROS and external commercially available project management software; and (4) a user interface module to facilitate the input of project data and the visualization and ranking of the generated optimal construction plans. An example project of 180 activities is analyzed to illustrate the use of MACROS and demonstrate its unique and practical construction optimization capabilities.     

Prototype System for Knowledge Problem Definition

Attitudes to knowledge management (KM) have changed considerably as organizations are now realizing its benefits. Implementation, however, has been facing serious difficulties attributed either to not being able to anticipate the barriers when planning KM strategies or to using inappropriate methods and tools for implementation. These difficulties are more critical in construction due to the fragmented nature of the industry. This paper suggests that proper definition of a KM problem at the early stages of developing the KM initiatives will result in better control over the KM barriers. A methodology for identifying KM problems within a business context is then introduced. The methodology is encapsulated into a prototype software system, which facilitates its deployment in organizations and provides online help facilities. The methodology, development, operation, and evaluation of the prototype are described. The paper concludes that the prototype offers considerable potential for delivering a clarified KM problem and a distilled set of issues for an organization to address. This represents a significant first step in any KM initiative.     

Extended Production Integration for Construction: A Loosely Coupled Project Model for Building Construction

The construction industry is very diverse and consists of businesses that vary in size and ability to adopt information technology. Previous implementations of the project model have been based on information standards that have often adopted closely coupled collaborations. However, it is difficult to take a top down method and require participants to conform to universally accepted standards for the details of their operation. The proposed extended production integration for construction model is a loosely coupled process integration system that allows the participants to maintain a high level of independence as well as the integrity of their existing computer systems. The system is supported by a viable collaboration mechanism. A conceptual model for construction projects is proposed based on the study of events, contract conditions, and their impacts on the collaborations and interactions among participants. Events were identified as the major issue that the system needs to consider in order to conduct the collaboration work. Contract conditions were converted and used as guidelines to create enforceable rules in the system. A prototype system based on the proposed model was developed using Java, CORBA, and UML. A case study involving construction change orders was used to demonstrate the functionality of the prototype system. The factors that impact the efficiency of the system for the case study were determined through sensitivity analyses and comprehensive simulations. The results indicate that the system achieves a high level of efficiency when complicated changes are involved, which cause a higher rejection rate within the system.     

Knowledge-Assisted Retrieval of Online Product Information in Architectural/Engineering/Construction

With a better understanding about the product market, industry practitioners can make more informed decisions for product specification, selection, and procurement. However, current approaches that support Architectural/Engineering/Construction (A/E/C) information acquisition do not provide a comprehensive market scan. While the Internet provides an ever-growing resource for product information, existing approaches have limited capabilities to make use of this virtual market. Therefore, the writers have developed a knowledge-assisted approach to specifically address the potential of the virtual market—help retrieve A/E/C product information, particularly information about different manufacturers, from the Internet. The paper introduces the building blocks of the developed approach, which includes domain knowledge utilization, information retrieval (IR) techniques, and strategies that incorporate domain knowledge into knowledge-supported IR approaches. Specifically, domain knowledge represented in the form of a thesaurus was used with query expansion strategies under the framework of an adaptation of the extended IR Boolean model. It was concluded from the prototype validation that domain knowledge can be extremely helpful when acquiring A/E/C product information from online resources using the developed approach.     

Determination of Key Performance Indicators with Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Engineering Construction Firms

The study focuses on developing a unified approach to define information specificities for key performance indicators (KPIs). Borrowing from the time-system theory, the paper defines different types of KPI and identifies that a KPI has two dimensions—knowledge specificity and time specificity. Different approaches are presented to analyze knowledge and time sensitivities. This paper addresses a key question related to enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems applications in the engineering construction industry: what are the areas of business processes within the engineering construction industry where ERP cannot be used to collect KPIs related to business processes? The writers review empirical and specialized processes within the construction industry to identify business processes not covered by existing ERP systems. A survey focused on qualitative aspects of ERP systems implementation in engineering construction firms was conducted among ERP-enablers in the construction industry and provided a basis for the presented case study. Data collected are from major engineering and construction firms in the United States and therefore the results are relevant for researchers and industry practitioners concerned with application of enterprise management systems in the respective firms.     

Exploring the Potential of SME Alliances in the Construction Sector

The paper explores the adoption of information and communication technology-enabled alliance modes of operation by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the construction sector. It argues that SME alliance modes of operations promote business process innovation and allow SMEs to compete in new ways, get better reward for their work, and gain greater financial strength, which in turn, will give them the financial capability to move forward and develop their products and services. Findings from the multiple case study approach used to conduct the research are discussed, including: (1) the concept of an SME alliance and its key features; (2) business relationships management in an SME alliance; (3) SME alliance viability and sustainability; (4) the role of information and communication technologies in an alliance; and (5) technical innovation management in an alliance regime of peers. Recommendations for future research in the form of open questions to the research community are given.     

Education in Construction Engineering and Management Built on Tradition: Blueprint for Tomorrow

Construction continues to be a significant part of the global economy and shapes the built environment and quality of life for people around the world. In the United States, construction is a multibillion dollar annual enterprise, employing nearly 10 million people. However, it appears that the fragmented nature of the industry continues to hamper productivity and hoped-for gains in efficiency. Issues involve an array of regulatory and legal constructs that: (1) redistribute risk; (2) present only low barriers to entry (making company startup somewhat easy); and (3) fail to provide the quality and quantity of labor necessary. These factors continue to produce overall inefficiencies throughout the construction industry, and ill prepare the industry for the formidable challenges of globalization, sustainability, population growth, and wise use of resources. The purpose of this paper is to review the past and present of construction engineering within the context of civil engineering, and to prescribe practical change to revitalize construction engineering education to meet future demands.