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Case study on the maintenance of a construction monitoring using USN-based data acquisition Article Published Version Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 (CC-BY) Open Access Kim, S., Shin, Y. and Kim, G.-H. (2014) Case study on the maintenance of a construction monitoring using USN-based data acquisition. The Scientific World Journal, 2014. 879308. ISSN 2356-6140 doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/879308 Available at http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/39155/ It is advisable to refer to the publisher’s version if you intend to cite from the work. Published version at: http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4109070 To link to this article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/879308 Publisher: Hindawi All outputs in CentAUR are protected by Intellectual Property Rights law, including copyright law. Copyright and IPR is retained by the creators or other copyright holders. Terms and conditions for use of this material are defined in the End User Agreement  www.reading.ac.uk/centaur   

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Case study on the maintenance of a construction monitoring using USN­based data acquisition Article 

Published Version 

Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 (CC­BY) 

Open Access 

Kim, S., Shin, Y. and Kim, G.­H. (2014) Case study on the maintenance of a construction monitoring using USN­based data acquisition. The Scientific World Journal, 2014. 879308. ISSN 2356­6140 doi: https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/879308 Available at http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/39155/ 

It is advisable to refer to the publisher’s version if you intend to cite from the work. Published version at: http://europepmc.org/articles/PMC4109070 

To link to this article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/879308 

Publisher: Hindawi 

All outputs in CentAUR are protected by Intellectual Property Rights law, including copyright law. Copyright and IPR is retained by the creators or other copyright holders. Terms and conditions for use of this material are defined in the End User Agreement  . 

www.reading.ac.uk/centaur   

CentAUR 

Central Archive at the University of Reading 

Reading’s research outputs online

Research ArticleCase Study on the Maintenance of a Construction MonitoringUsing USN-Based Data Acquisition

Sangyong Kim,1 Yoonseok Shin,2 and Gwang-Hee Kim2

1 School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 219, Berkshire,Reading RG6 6AW, UK

2Department of Plant/Architectural Engineering, Kyonggi University, 152-42 Gwanggyosan-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si,Gyeonggi-do, 443-760, Republic of Korea

Correspondence should be addressed to Gwang-Hee Kim; [email protected]

Received 10 February 2014; Accepted 4 May 2014; Published 6 July 2014

Academic Editor: Xiao-Wei Ye

Copyright © 2014 Sangyong Kim et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the adoption of emerging ubiquitous sensor network (USN) technologies forinstrumentation within a variety of sustainability systems. USN is emerging as a sensing paradigm that is being newly considered bythe sustainability management field as an alternative to traditional tetheredmonitoring systems. Researchers have been discoveringthat USN is an exciting technology that should not be viewed simply as a substitute for traditional tethered monitoring systems.In this study, we investigate how a movement monitoring measurement system of a complex building is developed as a researchenvironment for USN and related decision-supportive technologies. To address the apparent danger of building movement, agent-mediated communication concepts have been designed to autonomously manage large volumes of exchanged information. Inthis study, we additionally detail the design of the proposed system, including its principles, data processing algorithms, systemarchitecture, and user interface specifics. Results of the test and case study demonstrate the effectiveness of the USN-based dataacquisition system for real-time monitoring of movement operations.

1. Introduction

With the increasing demands of skyscraper, airport hub,and rail network development, the scale of constructionprojects has significantly grown. These large-scale con-struction projects involve complex interfaces for which thedevelopment of construction safety monitoring has becomeconsiderably important [1]. After completion of a construc-tion project, the sustainability of the construction site con-tinues to play a crucial role in safety assessment throughstructural health monitoring (SHM). In addition, damageto humans is a more serious situation that can occur fromunpredictable factors such as natural disasters and safetyignorance. The fact of human damage and its economiccosts underscores the importance of continual monitoringof construction activities. The introduction of SHM canenable the rational coping with primary damage throughobjective SHM data [2]. This important SHM trend inconstruction requires rational methods to ensure health and

safety (HS) and effective maintenance control in the face ofuncertainties and associated risks. Therefore, installation ofautomatedmonitoring systems in current projects is requiredfor identifying the state of building change. This is becauseit is impossible to implement timely checks and repairs offacilities using traditional methods of passive monitoringsystems. For example, monitoring results of valuable datacollected from construction sites are not applied in a timelymanner if the project administrator does not have sufficientdata processing speed [3].

To overcome current limitations, construction moni-toring technologies have been rapidly developing with theadvancement of information technology (IT) and telecom-munications [4]. Automaticmonitoring systems can obtain inreal time accurate information of groundmovement analysesand impact assessments of nearby building conditions [5].These procedures of gathering, processing, and analyzing ofrecorded experimental data accumulated from the field areexpected to improve the precision and reliability of results

Hindawi Publishing Corporatione Scientific World JournalVolume 2014, Article ID 879308, 11 pageshttp://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/879308

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while enabling rapid coping with cracks and vibrationalproblems. The advent of the ubiquitous sensor network(USN) approach was prompted by the absence of suitablecommunication for the timely acquisition of constructionresources in large-scale projects [6–8]. The USN systemimproves HSmonitoring of a suspension building.Therefore,the use of new technologies, such as tablets and smart phones,has been adopted to expedite the monitoring process. Thesetechnologies contain long-term evolution (LTE) technologyto connect in real time the main servers with multipledevices. Accordingly, LTE technology can enable effectivedata transfer from a remote location to the main office.The related software applications, specifically collection staticdata (CSD) and the integration measuring system (IMS), canmaximize the advantages of wireless sensor technology.Theseapplications for collecting data are web-based; therefore,monitoring is available from any location with a wirelessInternet connection [9]. Through the various calibrationtests mentioned above, monitoring instruments can enhancemonitoring reliability and durability. In addition, the uni-versalization of monitoring instruments can automaticallyreduce monitoring system installation costs.

The objective of the present research is to report thenecessity of automated monitoring systems for enhancingsustainable construction maintenance and to ensure HS.The following objectives must be achieved to meet thestated aim. (1) Obtain more accurate and reliable monitoringdata, which would enable easier and more effective analysis.To this end, the implementation of automated monitoringsystems should be considered for practical construction sites.(2) Enable monitoring for the smooth implementation ofthe automatic monitoring system and improve economicfeasibility assessments to accelerate the implementation.

2. Literature Review

Many studies have been carried out to reduce the gapbetween predictions and real situations. Various IT appli-cation approaches have been proposed for constructionmonitoring through a diversity of projects. These includeequipment monitoring with a global positioning system(GPS), material tracking with radio frequency identification(RFID) devices, and wireless networking technologies [2, 10].However, previous studies have identified several limitationsof GPS and RFID techniques. For one, GPS technology canbe affected by lack of signals due to geographic factors andweather.OtherGPS limitations include poorGPS signals, lossof GPS signal integrity, and limited positioning accuracy [11].Additionally, RFID has reliability problems because the RFIDsensors cannot automatically distinguish between a failedsensor and the nonoccurrence of an expected event [2, 10].For the above reasons, development of a wireless network sys-temwould address the need for fully automaticmonitoring inconstruction sites. As a potential solution, mobile technologyhas nevertheless presentedmajor challenges in the IT domainof construction projects [12]. The diversity of many possibleimplementation scenarios involves HS applications, assettracking logistics, building monitoring, and provisioning

of equipment maintenance information [13]. However, thecurrent deployment of wireless network systems focuses onstatic information delivery without considering user satis-faction. The consideration of user satisfaction, such as userprofiles, role preferences, and construction tasks, should beaddressed to ensure the efficacy and accuracy of informationdelivery during the construction process, thereby savingvaluable time. Potential benefits can then be expected, suchas improvement in efficiency and productivity [14, 15].

The initiative of primary constructionmaintenancemon-itoring began with the Committee of Sponsoring Organi-zation of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Accordingto COSO, continuous monitoring enables management tocontinually automate the review of business processes toensure effective performance. Automated business processescan involve assessing the effectiveness of controls and detect-ing associated risk issues. Additionally, improved perfor-mance can encourage adherence to compliance standards andincrease the cost-effectiveness of controls and monitoringthrough IT solutions. Woo [3] proposed the estimatingof circumstances across all construction activities throughgeneral construction monitoring and maintenance monitor-ing. General construction monitoring compensates for theuncertainty of the design and provides safety and economicfeasibility by validating the design. Maintenance monitoringserves to consistently check HS for existing building issuesand to maintain optimum conditions. Maintenance moni-toring can contribute to valuable economic maintenance ofconstruction facilities through objective and effective data.These benefits can improve management of the entire pro-cess of increasingly complex construction projects currentlyconstrained under the inadequacy of traditional monitor-ing systems. Therefore, continuous maintenance monitoringbecomes increasingly more important for improving thewhole construction performance in terms of safety elementssuch as checking structural differential movement and rota-tion, cracking, and building vibration. However, existingmonitoring systems, which manually aggregate productivityreports from sites, are unable to disseminate informationin real time from both sites and office management withsufficiently detailed information.

3. Methodology

In this paper, we explain the application of automatic mon-itoring system methods that employ portable data loggersand wired and wireless systems. In addition, we outline thestructure of these connection methods. The application ofthese methods considers the distance between the office andconstruction sites and conditions such as underground work,weather, and the number of workers. Additionally, appropri-ate measuring sensors, such as the EL-beam, cracking testmachines, and vibrational measuring devices, are installedin construction sites according to characteristics of the givenconstruction project. We herein use a case study to explainthe operation of CSD and IMS programs. The case studyinvolves the practical application of an automatic monitoringsystem for a complex building in South Korea. The case

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study is a qualitative method supported by literature reviewto substantiate the necessity of construction monitoring andcase study content analysis.

4. Comparison of Existing Monitoring Systems

Existing monitoring methods at construction sites involveeither passive or automated monitoring depending on theconstruction condition. The selection of the method isdirectly related to economic aspects.The operation of existingautomated monitoring systems is marked by inadequatetechnical expertise with lack of issue recognition [4]. Theprimary use of the automated monitoring system requiressignificant investment to implement it. However, in the longterm, it is much more economically feasible than existingmonitoring systems for projects and complex constructionenvironments. The automated system can notify adminis-trators with an alarm feature about changeable situationsto enable immediate analysis. These advantages, which arereadily reflected in the ongoing construction process, makeautomated monitoring systems far superior to existing mon-itoring systems.

In Table 1, the comparison of existing and automatedmonitoring systems is summarized. Although existing mon-itoring systems continue to be used in construction sitesbecause of their time-efficient installation and easy main-tenance benefits, they are nevertheless time consuming interms of analyzing accumulated data with high humanresource constraints. Furthermore, existing monitoring ismarked by low precision and the difficulty of monitoring thatis dependent on construction conditions. These limitations,however, can be reduced through automated monitoringsystems because the latter systems enable control in varyingthe frequency of monitoring and generating its data whileproviding precise data, time savings, and more efficient useof human resources.

5. Integration of Information Services

5.1. System Processes. Project managers require a robustmonitoring system that can ensure that the most currentinformation is delivered and represented in a timely andcomprehensivemanner, thereby enabling control decisions tobe made as quickly and easily as possible. Figure 1 depictsthe flow of a monitoring system as a portable, continuousanalyzer through a data logging method. The automatedsystem consists of a sensor, data logger, multiplexer, controlcable, and computer. In addition, it includes a power supplyfor the data logger and multiplexer. The integrated systemhandles general processing formeasurements.The computer-stored data is sent to a central database or a web serverat specific time intervals based on a previous setting. Thenetwork system is configured to support remote controland data access from any remote area over the Internet.The information is made available to recipients in real timeon websites as raw data and graphs. The data logger savesthe measurement data in memory and sends a warningor wireless call when the data exceeds the limit set in the

integrated system. After measurements are performed withthe portable data logging equipment, the measurement datais entered in a measurement system in the main computer toprovide access to it.

In the case of a wired connection, signal cables are usedto immediately save data into an automated measurementprogram on an office computer for real-time observation.If a field management limit is specified in the program, theprogram activates a notification sound and warning screenif any entered data exceeds the set limit. This provides userswith easy notifications without monitoring. The monitoringsystem sends safety measurement data at specific intervals tothe computer for access. The data logger wirelessly commu-nicates in real time with the remote control monitoring datato enable identification of the problem and the appropriateaction.

The continuous analyzer device primarily saves the col-lected data.The analyzer and LTE are connected by the RS232communication method. The onsite continuous analyzerdevice and remotely installed wireless communication devicecan exchange measurement data through LTE communica-tion.Themeasurement data collecting server can analyze thedata gathered by the continuous analyzer device and processand save it for administrators to view. Lastly, the collectingserver is comprised of a database server and web server.The database server backs up the saved data, while the webserver ensures online data access from any location. Table 2summarizes the comparison of CSD and IMS programs.Based on this information, which includes a comparison oftheir respective strengths and weaknesses, the CSD programis appropriate in a measurement system during construction,whereas IMS is suitable for the maintenance monitoringsystem.

5.2. Monitoring System Diagram. In Figure 2, the overallstructure of the automated monitoring system is presented.For Project A and Project B of the different constructionsites, fieldmeasuring sensors are installed in the constructionstructure. In addition, a field measuring system is used towirelessly communicate the measured data from the measur-ing sensors to the field office.Therefore, these project sites cansend organized data from construction sites to the head officeand external related organizations such as inspection teams.Moreover, superintendents and consultants can obtain theorganized data over an external network. Security measuresare in place to protect the data from viruses.

Figure 3 outlines the process by which the onsite mon-itoring system is wirelessly connected to the remote auto-mated monitoring system. Automated monitoring sensorsare installed in the construction site to provide continuousmonitoring; the data logger connects to the monitoring sen-sors by signal cable.This data logger, a continuous analyzer, isan electronic device that records data over time or in relationto locations either with an integrated instrument sensoror through external instrument sensors. The continuousanalyzer can operate on any computer platform by simpleinstructions. In addition, it can collect in real time themeasured data from construction sites over the Internet.

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Table 1: Comparison between existing monitoring and automated monitoring system.

Automated monitoring Existing monitoring

Advantages

(i) High precision(ii) Enable to control various frequencies of monitoring(iii) Economy of time for monitoring analysis toimmediately response(iv) Many field experimental machines work at the sametime(v) Enable to output the data with monitoring(vi) Saving the manpower

(i) Economy of time for installation(ii) Enable to analyze monitoring in the construction site(iii) Easy maintenance

Disadvantages(i) Expensive material cost(ii) Time consuming to install the automatic system(iii) Requiring field observation

(i) High manpower consumption(ii) Low precision(iii) Level of difficulty depends on the field condition(iv) Time consuming for data analyzing(v) Unavailable measurements in terms of bad weather

EL-beam

Cracking testmachine

Measuring sensors

Portablecontinuous

analyzer

Server PC

Monitoring DB

Measurement data input

Administrator

Monitoring PC

Monitoring PC

Monitoring PC

Supervisioncorporation

Constructioncompany

Figure 1: Flowchart of portable data logger method monitoring.

Table 2: The comparison between CSD and IMS.

CSD IMS

Strength(i) Simple system configuration(ii) Possibility to develop an installation program and webprogram

(i) As operated on the web base, monitoring check ispossible anywhere with Internet connection(ii) Possible to process data in diverse formats such asreport and graphs(iii) Possible to set user authority(iv) Possible to customize programs according to specificon-site conditions

Weakness (i) Program use faded down(ii) Slow loading speed when data accumulation is huge System installation is costly

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Wireless

Wireless

Electronicsign

Electronicsign

RS.232C

RS.Field monitoring

managementserver system

Field monitoringmanagementserver system

Exte

rnal

inte

rnet

net

wor

k

Integrated monitoring management system (management DB server)

Monitoring system for user (site office and external related people)

Depence barrie

Head officeserver system

MobileMobile

Mobile

Internet modem managerInternet modem manager

· · ·· · ·

· · ·· · ·

· · ·· · ·

Field manager Ordering organization

Inspection team Constructioncompany

A consultative bodyand etc.

Superintendent

Field monitoring system (A project construction site)

Field monitoring system (B project construction site)

232C

Figure 2: The overall diagram of monitoring system.

Various sensors measure voltage, resistance, frequency, andinput/output of digital signals. The measured data, whichcan transfer engineering numerical values, is comprised oflinearization results from the general temperature sensor.Themeasured data analysis process is simple and software, suchas Lotus and Excel, can be used. The collected measured datais immediately presented on the screen of the continuousmonitoring analyzer and administrator computer for saving.The continuous analyzer can provide reduced maintenancecosts due to less power consumption. Moreover, it can bepowered by a small portable battery for long time periods inconstruction sites, where it can perform network, alarm, andindicating graph functions.

5.3. Program Components. The CSD program is composedof the CSD function and general CSD without the function.Figure 4 depicts the CSD program used for different con-struction sites.The red color box in the program denotes siteswhere sensors are installed.

If one of the lists is selected, the screen appears, as shownin Figure 5. The CSD program screen is comprised of sixcomponents.

(1) System diagram → A

(2) Current condition → B

(3) Login/logout → C

(4) Location of field measuring equipment → D

(5) Installation pictures → E

(6) Graphical visualization of real-time data monitoring→ F

Figure 6 illustrates the program implemented for IMS. Itis comprised of the project name, measuring sensors, the lastaccessed date, and the current state. If the project is selected,the program will launch.

6. Case Study

We now consider a case study and demonstrate how theUSN environment can help personnel from different func-tional groups conduct collaborations. For the case study,the Gongneung-dong complex building project from theapartment industry sector of Hyundai Amco ConstructionLtd. was selected.The project was a complex building locatedat 670-20 Gongeung-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Itwas composed of two buildings with 36 stories and exclusiveuse of the apartments. The total lot area was 84 m2 out of6,026.50m2, as shown in Table 3.

6.1. Experimental Field Setup. The field measuring instru-ments used in the case study included the EL-beam, crack-ing test machine, and vibration measurement apparatus, asshown in the numberE of Figure 5.

The EL-beam sensors monitored differential movementand rotation in the structures. The horizontal beam sensorsmonitored settlement and heave. The vertical beam sensorsmonitored lateral displacement and deformation. These twomethods of installation enabled monitoring of structuralbehavior under loads as well as the stability of the struc-tures. Stabilization measures were then provided. The EL-beam operates by means of a beam sensor consisting of anelectrolytic tilt sensor—a precision bubble level electrically

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Field automated monitoring system

El-beam

Cracking testmachine

Automated monitoringsensor

Continuous analyzer

RS 232

LTE modem

LTE modem

Web serverDB serverWIFILTE

Smart phone

InternetPC

AdministratorPC

Internet lineServer PC

Measurement data server

Wireless (LTE)

Remote automated monitoring system

Figure 3: The diagram of applied monitoring system (LTE).

sensitized as a resistance bridge—that is attached to a rigidmetal beam.The beam, typically one to two meters long, wasmounted on anchor bolts set into the structure. Structuralmovement changes the tilt of the beam and the sensoroutput. The cracking test machine then evaluates progressive

cracking in the walls. The results of the cracking test canhelp identify the appropriate time to perform repairs basedon changes of crack width. It can be affected by tempera-ture changes, crack shapes, and various construction loads,such as superimposed loads and movement of construction

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Figure 4: Collection static data program.

Figure 5: The example of CSD.

Table 3: The project summary.

Location 670-20 Gongneung-dong,Nowon-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Total lot area 6,026.50m2

Type of building Complex buildingNumber of stories

Basement 5thStories 36th

Gross area 53,489.1066m2

Building coverage ratio 59.51%Floor area ratio 587.72%Exclusive use of apartment 84m2/2 buildings (A, B)Total house holds 234 (A-118/B-116)

equipment. Therefore, continuous vibration monitoring canprovide information by which building health conditionscan be assessed. Lastly, vibration can be simply defined asthe cyclic or oscillating motion of a machine or machinecomponents from a position of rest. Construction vibrationcan be generated from various forces, such as the movementof large-scale equipment and progressive work packages.With the results of direction change over time, the analysisenables breakdown maintenance and scheduled or preven-tative maintenance. Furthermore, the trending and analysisof vibration performance helps identify developing problems

Current state

Last accessed dateMeasuring sensorsName of project

Figure 6: Integration measuring system (IMS) program.

before failure and extensive damage occur, thereby providingpredictive maintenance.

6.2. Monitoring System Application. The current state is indi-cated on the computer screen through the main monitoringsensors. The information can be obtained from saved datain the computer or by directly accessing the field measuringmachine. The data can be analyzed with various methodssuch as plain text, Excel, and graphs. The current monitor-ing state is automatically updated every ten minutes. Thetime interval enables the setting according to the user andadministrator. The function of the main monitoring sensoris to issue a notification on the computer screen and mobilephone with the integral short message service (SMS) whenthe standard is exceeded (Figure 7). Because this monitoringsystem is web-based, it can be used in any location with acomputer and Internet access. If the monitoring programis checked on the web browser, the CSD program is firstinitiated and the web browser accesses the web-based system.From that point, it can verify the monitoring program afterentering the ID and password on the login page.

The key flow of the measurement monitoring system issummarized in Figure 8.The collected information from fieldmonitoring sensors and machines are sent to the monitoringsystem in a construction site. This information can beshared between the construction site and remote locations.The monitoring system can regularly record collected datathrough a backup process. In addition, it can performstatistical analysis through the information analysis systemin the data flow processing system. This system can thenissue notifications to the administrator, depending on thestandard of value and the set limitation. Using this systematicprocedure, the project is safety evaluated based on the result.

6.3. CDM Application Program. In the CDM application,the following three elements can be presented by selectingthe project system structure: current monitoring condition,administrator login, and installed measuring sensors locatedin the construction site.

6.3.1. Project System Structure. The system structure dia-gram is comprised of field measurement equipment thatincludes installed EL-beams, cracking test machines, andvibration measuring devices in a construction site alongwith a wireless LTE modem. Information gathered from all

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Ordinary Emergency

Monitoring performance

Timely monitoring for building condition

System checkingin abnormality

Quarterly systemchecking

Analysis and evaluationfrom monitoring result

Surveillance based on sign in real time∙ Trend analysis∙ Monitoring report

Exceed the control standard and signfrom occurring problem in structure

Step 1: continuous surveillance about any problemsStep 2: fielding checkingStep 3: field precision checking

Situation report

Decision of measures and implementation

Figure 7: Warming system (SMS service).

field measurement equipment is sent by the LTE modems.These modems then connect to the main server in a remotelocation. Therefore, administrators or users can identify themeasurement information gathered from a construction siteby connecting to the Internet. At that point, they log into theCDMmonitoring program (Figure 9).

6.3.2. Location Map of Installed Measuring Sensors in theConstruction Site. The number D of Figure 5 depicts in across-sectional view (of every floor) the locations where theEL-beam, cracking test machine, and vibrational measuringdevice are installed in the building. The table located at thebottom-right side outlines the number of sensors with threedifferent kinds of logistic in the construction site.

6.3.3. Graphical Visualization of Real-Time Data Monitoring.The graphical visualization of real-time data monitoring,as shown in the number F of Figure 5, is located at thebottom of the program. It depicts the data in real time withthe maintenance standard. The top of the image is dividedinto cross-sectional views of every floor in the building sothat it can communicate the data in a timely manner whenmonitoring is needed in a specific place in the building.

In addition, the project status can be viewed using asimple web browser, as shown in Figure 10. The status viewpresents the data log extracted frommonitoring in which theread time at ten-minute intervals is displayed. Moreover, itis possible to save the measurement data and open files ofpreviously saved results with Excel (Figure 10).

7. Result and Discussion

Timely field monitoring can resolve the gap between predic-tions and real situations by enabling the analyzing of con-struction validity.Monitoring byUSN-based data acquisitioncan promote construction safety through the analyzing of

collected data. Use of this data supports effective decisionsand suggestions for effective methods in terms of safetymaintenance and design changes.The automated monitoringsystem can provide an improvement of HS based on its timelyacquisition of data. In addition, it enables the establishmentof countermeasures for the HS and ensures integrationwith building maintenance in contribution to constructionmanagement. Maintenance monitoring contributes effectiveand economic maintenance for construction facilities bygenerating objective and effective data. These benefits canimprove management of the entire process of increasinglycomplex construction projects currently constrained underthe inadequacy of traditional monitoring systems. Therefore,continuous maintenance monitoring becomes ever moreimportant for improving the whole construction perfor-mance in terms of safety elements, such as checking structuraldifferential movement and rotation, cracking, and buildingvibration.

However, the above applications consider economicaspects in utilizing portable devices and analysis software.This is because the initial cost of installation, such as forthe server construction and field experimental setting, wouldbe expensive. In addition, the automated monitoring systemis not only installed with a high investment, but basiclimitations remain in terms of monitoring instruments andmalfunctions caused by external factors, such as tempera-ture and weather, during the construction and maintenanceperiod.

8. Conclusions and Recommendations

With the advance of IT applications, all project participants,such as clients, construction companies, and inspectionteams, expect smooth communication because the standard-ized measurement data can be rapidly accessed using theInternet and portable devices. This enables the transfor-mation of the work environment, which was previously a

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Experimental operation

Load test(if necessary)

Measure machine

Initial measure

Standard of value setting

Installation of sensor/measure machine

Maintenance and administrative measurement

Monitoring system

∙ Gathering monitoring data∙ Recording, sign

Data analysis system

∙ Periodic backup∙ A statistical analysis∙ Standard value setting

Data flow processing system

∙ Simplicity, systematic input-output system∙ Visual GUI system

Data flow processing system

Control limit setting Control limit setting

Comparison between control limit valueand monitoring result

Checking defectsNo

Yes

Warming

Integrity appraisal

Selecting the structural analysis model

Modification of the model by monitoring result

Interpretation

Safety appraisal

⟨Primary⟩ ⟨After certain period⟩

Figure 8: The diagram of monitoring system.

vertical business relationship in which it was difficult toshare information. In this paper, we introduced monitoringequipment, such as a continuous analyzer, and measuringinstruments, such as the EL-beam, cracking test machines,

and vibration measuring devices for operating automatedmonitoring systems. Furthermore, we explained themethodsof data connection and the technology of information pro-cessing. The advantages of construction industry efficiencies

10 The Scientific World Journal

EL-beam

Server PC

EL-beam

Continuousanalyzer

Continuousanalyzer

LTEmodem

Wireless

Wireless

Wireless

Smart phone Monitoring PC

Monitoring PC

Internet

LTEmodem

Main data processing room

Users

Cracking testmachine

Cracking testmachine

Vibrationmeasurement

LTEmodem

LTEmodem

Figure 9: The system structure.

Figure 10: Saving function and saved result lists through MS Excel.

reduced construction time and a cost-effective integratedmonitoring program using the Internet yield potential forthe growth of construction technology. After completion ofthe network, the use of tablets and other personal devicesenable the easy and timely performance of processes byadministrators and managers in multiple construction sites.

An integrated operation program that facilitates theintegration of construction databases andmeasured data pro-cessed in real time requires further development to achievethe advancement of an automated monitoring system. Sucha program could enhance operational reliability throughappropriate use of analysis systems in construction sites and

consideration of building state assessments. Higher qualitydata reliability enables easy construction monitoring forevery participant in the project using an installed network.Therefore, the installation can reduce system costs throughthe development of an integrated program.

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests in thispaper.

Acknowledgment

This research was supported by Basic Science ResearchProgram through the National Research Foundationof Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education(2013R1A2A2A01013406).

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