Experimental Study of Information Technologies to Eliminate Muda-Waste in Construction

Abstract

Effective communication is essential for the functioning of any organization. Breakdowns in communication contribute to a group of problems that result in low work productivity and quality. Therefore, using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in construction projects can result in the improvement of business processes, bigger profits, and service quality improvements and to gain a competitive advantage

Because of highly competitive business environment in construction; the participants in the industry must improve construction productivity performance to survive. But many companies in the construction industry do not generally appear to have appreciated the positive changes and advantages that the ICT was providing to companies in other sectors of the economy. Commonly, information deliverance, communication and field materials management still relies on traditional practices. ICT has a high potential for improvement.

Wireless network establishment is integral to the use of onsite ICT. A wireless network can only be created if signal behavior is known. For this purpose experiments were performed to measure the degradation in signals in different environments e.g. beside the high rise concrete walls, inside steel framed building and behind glass walls. The signal attenuation with height was also studied. Effect of weather on construction quality and safety is significant. Wireless weather information deliverance was studied by of the weather station and a model for crane safety is represented.

For wireless information access through the touchscreen was also studied for on-time and accurate deliverance of information.

Signal behavior studies, wireless weather information deliverance and communication through touchscreen has been conducted during this research but further improvement can be done through extensive testing and benefits from touchscreen and weather information can be measured through further studies on construction site.