CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
The construction sector plays a pivotal role in shaping communities on various scales, from local to global. It encompasses diverse activities, including real estate development, infrastructure projects, and the construction of industrial facilities, making it the most influential industry on the global economic stage. This sector holds immense economic significance, contributing approximately 13% to the world's gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2020 (Ribeirinho, 2020).
The origins of this industry can be traced back to ancient times when it involved the construction of stone houses and the skilled craftsmanship of carpenters who transformed raw timber into functional boards. Over time, it has evolved into one of the world's oldest industries. Throughout history, the construction sector has showcased remarkable advancements, potentially even surpassing other industries (Kristensen, 2011).
Nevertheless, similar to various other fields, the construction industry has undergone substantial transformations over the years. The modern work environment has witnessed a multitude of changes, with technology emerging as a pivotal catalyst for transformation, impacting both companies and individuals alike.
Construction technologies now encompass a wide range of tools, machines, and modifications designed to achieve specific goals, solve problems, and enhance performance (Sepasgozar and Davis, 2018). These technologies have become instrumental in responding to the evolving demands of the industry, enhancing productivity, and improving overall construction performance (Duncan et al., 2018).
However, in the ever-changing and competitive construction environment, progress tracking and measurement have become critical for all stakeholders, including clients, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, and contractors. Accurately assessing the actual work completed against predetermined criteria (work quantity, budget, and time) is vital for identifying disparities and risk factors in projects. Effective progress measurement is pivotal for ensuring project success, but it relies heavily on cost engineering and scheduling planning (Duncan et al., 2018).
Fundamentally, progress tracking entails the systematic monitoring and assessment of the advancement of a construction project. It constitutes an indispensable instrument for remaining well-informed and retaining control, empowering you to make well-considered decisions that safeguard the seamless progression of your undertaking. Whether it involves the meticulous monitoring of the advancement of individual trades or the oversight of the overarching project timeline, construction progress monitoring stands as an essential and integral component of effective project management (AVVIR, 2023).
Efficient progress tracking is indispensable for informed decision-making and project success. However, Construction progress tracking is a complex task fraught with numerous challenges. Construction projects involve a wealth of information spanning various functions, including scheduling, construction methods, cost management, resource allocation, quality control, and change order management. This information emanates from various sources and assumes various forms. Moreover, the tracking and recording of changes, whether stemming from deliberate decisions or subtler deviations such as those related to workmanship, can be especially challenging (Son et al., 2015).
To address these challenges and enhance project control, technology-driven efforts have been directed toward automating data collection and analysis. The era of exclusively depending on site visits and meetings to monitor progress has evolved significantly. Presently, technology offers us a diverse array of innovative tools and methods (AVVIR, 2023).
Extensive research has focused on automating the measurement of physical quantities in place, employing spatial sensing technologies for tasks like earth moving, structural erection, and masonry work. Information technology tools, meanwhile, have undergone significant development, improving communication on construction sites and enabling the daily automation of progress tracking for construction activities.
Three-dimensional (3D) sensing technologies are being widely explored, enabling real-time 3D as-built data acquisition and comparison with design information embedded in building information models (BIM) (Kim et al., 2013). Augmented Reality (AR) has revolutionized human-computer interaction, garnering substantial attention from researchers and practitioners in the construction industry.
The adoption of this diverse array of automated progress tracking technologies significantly bolsters project control by providing multifaceted information, including construction standards, material flow, vehicle locations, earth-moving activities, and on-site task tracking (Tsai, 2009). This equips decision-makers with timely progress insights, enabling them to more effectively monitor project advancement, adapt schedules, conduct precise forensic analyses, address delays, and devise suitable corrective strategies.
This study seeks to investigate and analyze the role of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
In spite of significant advancements in construction procedures and the availability of sophisticated progress monitoring technologies, a notable hesitancy lingers within the construction sector among stakeholders regarding their adoption (Huang et al., 2022; Gusmao Brissi et al., 2022). This reluctance can be attributed to two primary factors.
First, there exists a deeply ingrained mindset among industry professionals favoring traditional methodologies (Qureshi et al., 2023). This adherence to established practices can impede the adoption of innovative technologies that could potentially revolutionize progress tracking and measurement in construction projects.
Second, there is a pervasive lack of necessary knowledge and information regarding the implications and practical implementation of these technologies (Alizadehsalehi and Yitmen, 2019; Qureshi et al., 2022). Many stakeholders within the construction industry may not be adequately informed about the benefits, challenges, and proper utilization of advanced progress monitoring tools and automated data collection systems.
These combined factors pose a significant problem for the construction sector, hindering its ability to leverage the full potential of technological advancements for more efficient and effective construction progress tracking and measurement. Addressing these challenges is paramount to drive industry-wide acceptance and integration of these transformative technologies.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze the role of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
- To assess the current state of technology adoption for construction progress tracking in the industry.
- To explore the various applications of technology in construction progress tracking in the industry.
- To identify the benefits associated with the use of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement.
1.5 Research Questions
This study will address the following research questions:
- What is the current level of technology adoption for construction progress tracking in the construction industry?
- What are the diverse applications of technology in construction progress tracking within the construction industry?
- What are the specific benefits associated with the utilization of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
H0: There are no significant benefits associated with the utilization of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement
Ha: There are significant benefits associated with the utilization of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement
1.7 Justification of the Study
This study is essential for several reasons: It contributes to an understanding of the current state of technology adoption in the construction industry, providing insights into whether the industry is leveraging available technology to its fullest potential. By exploring various applications of technology in construction progress tracking, the study sheds light on the versatility and adaptability of technology within the industry. Identifying the benefits associated with technology adoption in construction progress tracking can highlight its potential to enhance project outcomes, leading to improved project management, cost control, and quality assurance. The study can serve as a valuable resource for construction professionals, technology providers, and policymakers seeking to make informed decisions regarding the adoption and integration of technology in construction practices.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study will focus on the role of technology in construction progress tracking and measurement within the construction industry.
