Improving safety at building construction sites by means of BIM and mobile tools

Kristiina Sulankivi, Kati Kontio, Markku Kiviniemi

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference article in proceedingsScientificpeer-review

    Abstract

    Building Information Model (BIM) based designs, plans, drawings and other information needed on construction sites can be used more and more by mobile devices as hardware, software and cloud-based data sharing are developing rapidly. As a result, the safety information can also be "mobilized". If compared to the traditional safety documents, the mobile versions provide more efficient workflow and possibility to completely new kind of information contents. However, the most important benefits will likely be, that safety information can be brought closer to the production event, where it can genuinely affect occupational site safety. Additionally, up-to-date safety level information including safety violation statistics can be provided for site management purposes, and this safety data is automatically stored for later analysis and development purposes. Mobile opportunities have been implemented to safety purposes in limited extent this far. This research aims to clarify the possibilities of useful mobile tools and promising new ways of delivering BIM-based information needed at field. Results are based on an analysis focused on 1) the different types of mobile applications currently available for safety purposes, 2) the most promising new ways of sharing and recording safety related information at site using mobile devices, and 3) the apparent potential of mobility in construction safety management. Data was collected by literature study, experience got by hands-on software testing, and interviewing and discussing with industry representatives in various meetings related to an on-going collaborative research and development project. The goal of the research project is to develop publishing, management and usability of digital building information by web-based solutions and procedures in the construction supply chain. The identified most promising mobile opportunities for improving the occupational site safety will be tested in a real on-going building construction project. Selection of use cases will be carried out by the involved development project partners, including software vendors, research institutes and industry representatives such as a general contractor, precast fabricator and structural engineering company. Experience will be used to take advantage of BIM and mobile tools more efficiently on construction sites in the future, and to encourage software houses to develop the needed final more suitable applications for the industry.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the CIB World Building Congress 2016
    EditorsSuvi Nenonen, Juha-Matti Junnonen
    Place of PublicationTampere
    PublisherTampere University of Technology
    Pages165-177
    Volume4
    ISBN (Print)978-952-15-3740-0, 978-952-15-3744-8
    Publication statusPublished - 2016
    MoE publication typeA4 Article in a conference publication
    EventCIB World Building Congress 2016: Intelligent Built Environment for Life - Tampere Hall, Tampere, Finland
    Duration: 30 May 20163 Jun 2016
    Conference number: 20

    Publication series

    SeriesTampere University of Technology: Department of Civil Engineering: Construction Management and Economics. Report
    Number18
    ISSN1797-8904

    Conference

    ConferenceCIB World Building Congress 2016
    Abbreviated titleWBC16
    Country/TerritoryFinland
    CityTampere
    Period30/05/163/06/16

    Keywords

    • occupational safety
    • building construction site
    • mobile information
    • BIM
    • mobile safety management

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