Logistics Engineering for Construction


Research project by

Suchart Nuntasunti, Doctoral Student (snuntas@unity.ncsu.edu )

Need:


Fragmentations of resource acquisitions usually lead to mismatch of resources at the point of consumption (lack, conflict, and inappropriate of resources, etc.). The resources can be materials, equipments, or information, etc. Many times an error occurs because the crew does not get the appropriate information. For instance a concrete slab needed to be reworked because the crew did not get the right information about the correct drawing at the time they cast.

 

Frequently materials on site need to be moved because the supplier did not put them in the final place. This occurs because there is no system that provides the manager and crew the ability to planning, monitoring, and control the resources, not just materials but also information and all others resources need for the process. Logistics engineering and management has proven to be effective tools in both manufacturing and business. The integrated resource logistics system also shows potentials to reduce resources mismatch and, therefore, increases performance of construction processes.


Moving Materials on Site

Goal:


The main goal of this research is to explore a new way to integrated and automated construction resource management (materials, crew, information, etc.) that more effective, zero error, and meet customer’s satisfaction.

Approach:


This research focuses on flow of resources along their lifespan (from point of origin to point of consumption and to final stage). A variety of different computer and communication technologies are being developed and tested. Framework for resources database has been developed according to CSI master format. The remote monitoring system is under development, which will provide real time snapshot pictures of the construction site and ability to be monitored from remote computer via the Internet.

The backbone of this system will be web collaboration as shown. Web technology has been selected because its ability to be accessed any where in the world. Its standard user interface is easy for the team to use the system with little or no training.
Web Collaboration
The goal of the on-site web-based video-monitoring in the speed-up of communication and verification of visual information. Some of the benefits of such a system include:
  • 24-Hour visual access to site
  • Real-time assessment of project status from anywhere
  • Verification of material deliveries
  • Safety inspections
  • Automatic recording of environmental condition, project progress, etc.
  • Rapid problem-solving required visual information
  • Surveillance in the night

 

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