The effectiveness of an integrated BIM/UAV model in managing safety on construction sites

Abstract

Introduction. A variety of approaches exist to achieve better construction safety performance, but only a few consider a combination of building information modeling (BIM) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Method. This article presents a four-dimensional (4D) BIM/UAV-enabled safety management model based on IDEF0 language. In the first step, potential hazards are identified with the help of safety specialists’ experiences and BIM software used in the design of the structure. Then, a UAV monitors the location of the potential hazards. The third step involves the integration of the 4D BIM-based model and the information obtained from the UAV. Finally, the combined data are analyzed and interpreted, and site safety staff are notified about measures to be put in place to prevent accidents. Results. This model shows a strong relationship between the design and construction phases by using BIM in the design phase and UAVs in the construction phase. The proposed safety model was evaluated by construction safety specialists in a two-pronged approach. Conclusion. The number of fatal, non-fatal and property damage-causing accidents may be significantly lower when the proposed system was used. Practical application. This model allows safety specialists to identify hazards and develop suitable mitigation strategies.

Keywords:

• construction safety management
• four-dimensional visualization
• building information modeling
• unmanned aerial vehicles

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all participating companies, senior managers, construction managers, safety specialists and respondents who contributed to or participated in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Sepehr Alizadehsalehi http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1567-2590

Ibrahim Yitmen http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4288-9904

David Arditi http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1580-324X