See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/283041896

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

technologies in infrastructure construction project management and delay and
disruption analysis

Article  in  Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering · June 2015
DOI: 10.1117/12.2192723

CITATIONS READS

12 4,613

4 authors:

Yiannis Vacanas Kyriacos Themistocleous

Cyprus University of Technology Cyprus University of Technology
8 PUBLICATIONS   31 CITATIONS    270 PUBLICATIONS   1,603 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Athos Agapiou Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis

Cyprus University of Technology Cyprus University of Technology
231 PUBLICATIONS   2,440 CITATIONS    442 PUBLICATIONS   4,258 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

SAFER – Innovative Concrete Barriers for Forgiving Road Infrastructure View project

(JPI-CH) CLIMA - Cultural Landscape risk Identification Management and Assessment View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Kyriacos Themistocleous on 15 September 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) technologies in infrastructure construction project management
and delay and disruption analysis

Yiannis Vacanasa, Kyriacos Themistocleousa, Athos Agapioua and Diofantos Hadjimitsisa

a
Cyprus University of Technology, Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Lemesos, Cyprus

ABSTRACT

Time in infrastructure construction projects has always been a fundamental issue as early as from the inception of a project,
during the construction process and often after the completion and delivery. In a typical construction contract time related
matters such as the completion date and possible delays are among the most important issues that are dealt with by the
contract provisions. In the event of delay there are usually provisions for extension of time award to the contractor with
possible reimbursement for the extra cost and expenses caused by this extension of time to the contract duration. In the case
the contractor is not entitled to extension of time, the owner will be possibly entitled to amounts as compensation for the
time prohibited from using his development. Even in the event of completion within the time agreed, under certain
circumstances a contractor may have claims for reimbursement for extra costs incurred due to induced acceleration
measures he had to take in order to mitigate disruption effects caused to the progress of the works by the owner or his
representatives. Depending on the size of the project and the agreement amount, these reimbursement sums may be
extremely high. Therefore innovative methods with the exploitation of new technologies for effective project management
for the avoidance of delays, delay analysis and mitigation measures are essential; moreover, methods for collecting
efficiently information during the construction process so that disputes regarding time are avoided or resolved in a quick
and fair manner are required.

This paper explores the state of art for existing use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAV) technologies in the construction industry in general. Moreover the paper considers the prospect of using
BIM technology in conjunction with the use of UAV technology for efficient and accurate as-built data collection and
illustration of the works progress during an infrastructure construction project in order to achieve more effective project
management, record keeping and delay analysis.

Keywords: time, project management, delay, disruption, records, schedule, programme, BIM, UAV

1. INTRODUCTION
The delivery of an infrastructure construction project is a complex process, not a mere event. The large number of the
parties involved (owners, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, stakeholders, funders, public and local
authorities) and the variation in the way these parties perceive important issues of the construction process often cause
disruption to the progress of works and inevitably delay to the completion and delivery of the project. Due to size and high
costs a prototype of a construction project cannot be created and tested prior construction as in other industries and there
are affecting factors such as weather or miscalculations that cannot be controlled, therefore unforeseen events and changes
may occur during the construction process that will disrupt the planned progress of works – moreover communication and
exchange of ideas and objective opinions during the construction process are constant, and changes to the scope of the
works or the methods which are used to be carried out are in most occasions unavoidable.

Considering the high costs involved in a construction project, a delay to the completion and delivery causes extra costs, and
also consequential losses and expenses which on the one hand affect the project’s profitability and on the other hand none
of the involved parties wishes to be held responsible for and bear. The justification of cause and effect of delay events often
comprises a major dispute issue in construction cases and the delay analysis is forming a significant element of

Third International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2015),
edited by Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis, Kyriacos Themistocleous, Silas Michaelides, Giorgos Papadavid,
Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535, 95350C · © 2015 SPIE · CCC code: 0277-786X/15/$18 · doi: 10.1117/12.2192723

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-1

construction disputes. In such cases the quality and quantity of available records will be crucial as well as the delay and
disruption analysis itself (SCL, 2002).

Of course, the ultimate aim of the professionals involved in the construction industry would be the avoidance of disputes.
However if we seek to avoid disputes, we must seek to predict them, by taking the necessary actions to avoid delays (Fenn
2002). Therefore the efficient record keeping and effective management of a construction project programme would be
essential elements of dispute prediction and avoidance in order to have a successful project.

The methods used for record keeping are mainly the site diary, reports, correspondence, progress meetings´ minutes,
drawings´ updates, variation instructions and photographs. The progress of works is usually presented and monitored by
updating the initial programme which is in the form of gantt charts using one of the computer software that are available.
However as-built programmes may have uncertainties and inaccuracies, and there may be certain mistrust from the part of
the receivers regarding the subjectivity of the information. Also many interested parties that need to take important
decisions related to the project progress may find it hard to visualise the progress of the works as described by the
programme gantt presentation, and obtaining an accurate position and location from text-based illustrations of a traditional
schedule can be very difficult (Moon et al 2013 : Tserng et al 2014).

So are there any other options that could ease the process of record keeping, works progress monitoring and construction
project management? This paper explores the so far use of BIM and UAV technologies in the construction industry and it
considers the prospect of using BIM technology in conjunction with the use of UAV technology for efficient and accurate
as-built data collection and clear illustration of the works progress in order to achieve more effective project management,
record keeping and delay analysis.

2. THE ROLE OF BIM TECHNOLOGY

Various visual representations of a project’s schedule and associated information combined with visual representations of
the project in progress (Tserng et al 2014), can assist with tasks such as record keeping and management and eventually
assist with identifying effective construction strategies for managing a project’s duration.

The UK government has decided that all major construction projects in the public sector must be working at Building
Information Modelling (BIM) technology by 2016 - in fact in 2016 all centrally procured public construction projects in the
UK will use BIM processes throughout. The drivers for the adoption of BIM as set out in the BIS BIM Strategy and the
Government Construction Strategy are the reduction of the asset costs and achievement of greater operational efficiency,
the facilitation of greater efficiency and effectiveness of construction supply chains, and the provision of assistance in the
creation of a forward-thinking sector on which growth ambitions can base upon. According to the related paper of HM
Government published in 2012, BIM is considered a “game changer” (HM Government 2012). The use of BIM has also
been applied in China’s construction industry and the government has promoted the development of standards so that the
related industrial chains in the construction industry could share the application of BIM. The Chinese Ministry of Science
and Technology has included BIM in the Outline of the National Long-Term Science and Technology Development Plan
(2006-2020) and it has been defined as an important project; additionally the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural
Construction revised the construction standards to develop five BIM related standards (Su H 2013).

But somebody could ask, what exactly is BIM? BIM has been defined as a digital visual representation of all of a building’s
physical characteristics and relevant information of its life cycle (Manning and Messner 2008), the parametric 3D
computer-aided design (CAD) technologies in the architecture- engineering- construction industry (Taylor and Bernstein
2009), the process of creating and managing parametric digital models of a building during its lifecycle (Lee et al 2006), or
a set of interacting policies, processes and technologies generating a methodology to manage the essential building design
and project data in digital format throughout the building's life-cycle (Succar 2008). BIM has also be defined as a
collaborative process by which all designers engaged on a construction project work together to create a single computer-
generated 3D model and this model will hold information relating to the whole lifecycle of the building allowing the
facility to be planned, constructed and managed in a co-ordinated and efficient manner from inception, through use, to
eventual decommissioning (Currie 2014).

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-2

In spite of various definitions of BIM in the literature, BIM is broadly accepted only as an advanced technology in the
industry (Zhang 2013) that can help architects, engineers, and constructors visualize what is to be built in a simulated
environment to identify any potential design, construction, or operational issues (Azhar 2011).

2.1 BIM technology during project design

By using BIM technology a single virtual model of a project can be created which will allow all the parties involved in the
design process of the project members (owners, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers) to
collaborate more accurately and efficiently than using traditional processes (Azhar 2011). As the model is being created,
team members are constantly refining and adjusting their portions according to project specifications and design changes to
ensure the model is as accurate as possible before the project physically breaks ground (Carmona and Irwin 2009), and
moreover cost feedback cycle becomes more efficient and their decision-making process is continuously informed
throughout multiple design iterations (Abdelmohsen et al 2011). These facts create one of the key advantages of BIM
which is the ability to facilitate the development of detailed information and analysis much earlier in the building process
to improve decision making, reduce downstream changes (Manning and Messner 2008), and align all strategies with
performance measurements (Mom and Hsieh 2012).

Manning and Messner (2008) highlight the benefits of using BIM which include rapid 3D visualization, increasing
information available to support decisions upstream in the project development process, rapid and accurate updating of
changes common through the conceptual development, reduction of man-hours required to establish reliable space
programs, increased communication across the total project development team and increased confidence in completeness
of scope developed in programming to be carried forward.

2.2 BIM technology during construction

As the application of BIM becomes more common, schedule management integrated with the BIM technology can become
valuable to produce visual as-built schedule information and enhance the efficiency in tracking construction as-built
programme (Tserng at al 2014). By synchronizing design and construction planning and linking a construction programme
to the 3D objects it is possible to simulate the construction process and show what the building and site would look like at
any point in time. Such graphic simulation can provide considerable insight into how a project will be constructed day - by
- day and therefore sources of potential problems can be identified. Additionally such BIM technology can enhance the
coordination among the participating designers and contractors which can contribute to speeding up the construction
process, reducing costs, minimizing the likelihood of legal disputes and providing a smoother process for the entire project
team (Eastman et al 2011). Studies have been carried out to investigate the possibility of simulating the progress of works
in 4D dimesions (3D computer model + time) with interesting results. In such a study Tserng, Ho and Jon (2014) presented
ConBIM-SM system, with which engineers can obtain an overview of the previous and current as-built schedule updated
information for a given project and can access and utilize the most recent updates to the as-built models during the
construction phase.

Moreover GIS and project management tools within the BIM technology can be used for automatic computer-aided
process of cost estimating and cost reduction by choosing cost efficient construction methods (Cheng and Yang 2011) and
effective resource allocation (Naik et al 2011). Also automated solutions developed for construction quality management
and survey systems using various technologies can enable construction quality managers to systematically collect,
accumulate and manage useful data related to project progress and quality (Kim at al 2008 : Arora and Ogra 2012). BIM
technology can be used in complicated projects with generated schedule-workspace interference and physically adjacent,
to avoid manage collision risks between resources and secure work performance safety and constructability (Moon at al
2014). During construction BIM technology can be used for monitoring information management, accident prediction and
warning in geotechnical engineering projects, such as tunnels, slopes and foundation pits (Wang et al 2014).

2.3 BIM technology during operation

After the completion of a project its updated BIM model is a source of as-built information (graphics and specifications)
for all systems installed, and this information can be used for its management, to check that all systems work properly
during operation (Eastman et al 2011) and for assistance when a system has a problem and needs rectification. Also in the

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-3

case an alteration is required an accurate digital model will assist the owners and their consultants to take the required
decisions easier (Evans 2014).

Although it is broadly accepted that BIM technology can be very useful in all phases of a construction project, it is
considered that there is much left to be understood about the real benefits and challenges of existing BIM and related
solutions, and additional research effort on actual digital technology implementations in real projects would increase this
understanding (Hassan Ibrahim 2013 : Bansal 2010). It is possible with the use of automated transfer of data, such as
coordinates, levels of excavation or backfilling, material layers etc to achieve a dynamic updating of a BIM model. At that
end, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to achieve efficient collection as-built and updated information is an
interesting topic that can be explored.

3. THE ROLE OF UAV

Significant elements of a successful project are the preparation of a realistic and detailed initial programme, the
maintenance of the works progress in accordance to the initial programme and the avoidance of disruption events and
delay. The programme should be updated to record actual progress and any extensions of time granted. If this is done, then
the programme can be used as a tool for managing change (SCL 2002). If the project programming of a project is poor and
there is not satisfactory record keeping then the project is more likely to fail to be completed on time (Pickavance 2009),
and if project as-built programmes and records are not detailed and adequate claim arguments are likely to be unsuccessful
and dispute resolution procedures more complex and longer.

Collecting progress information of a construction project can be expensive and complicated. The required on-site progress
data collection normally is carried out by the contractor’s engineers on site, and the site works progress is recorded by
updating the project programme manually backed up by photographs, the site’s diary, progress meetings minutes and
correspondence.

So is there a method that can be used so that that efficiently contractors can obtain and manage as-built data for a more
effective project management and record keeping? As discussed above BIM technology can be used in all phases of a
project from feasibility studies period to post completion period. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to achieve
efficient collection of records and as-built information in order to efficiently update a BIM model in order to achieve
effective project management and record keeping is a subject that must be thoroughly examined and considered for
systematic use.

3.1 UAV use in construction

GIS traditional methods used in combination with BIM technology for construction projects purposes are mainly based on
the use of satellite information. This has various disadvantages. Satellite images have lower resolution, they may have
observation gaps due to atmospheric phenomena as cloud cover, and limited coverage over a certain region due to its orbit
around the Earth (Adams et al 2010), and they can lack sufficient obliqueness for use in façade investigations.
Additionally, ground imagery can be discontinuous and onerous to collect, thus inhibiting rapid assessments of damage
(Adams et al 2010). On the other hand targeted remote sensing via conventional manned aerial platforms can become very
difficult to use because of its high cost or inaccessible due to logistic and human constraints (Ezequiel et al 2014).

Until recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Remotely Piloted Vehicles (RPV),
were mostly developed and used for military applications. These systems are remotely-controlled aircrafts or helicopters.
They are equipped with precision sensors, for example, inertial motion units (IMU) and gyroscopes, for recognizing the
alignment and position of the aircraft. A microcomputer makes the autonomous navigation without much manual
involvement of a pilot possible. Due to the cost and size of these sensors, a non-military use and especially smaller UAV
systems have not been feasible for many commercial applications. With the recent availability of highly accurate and
low-cost Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the possibility opened up to maintain a UAV system's position in a global
reference system nearly everywhere in the world and in real-time (Siebert and Teizer 2014).

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-4

UAVs have undergone significant advances in equipment capabilities and now have the capacity to acquire high resolution
imagery from many angles in a cost effective, efficient manner. By using Metric Photogrammetry and Structure for
Motion, the science of determining object characteristics from rectified stereo-photographs, someone can extract
information from imagery. Distances, angles, areas, volumes, elevations, object sizes, and object shape within overlapping
images are some of the many characteristics that can be determined using photogrammetry (Adams et al 2010).

So far UAV techniques have been used in order to examine damages on buildings because of hurricane events, and monitor
the progress of roads and bridges (Ezequiel et al 2014). UAVs are also suitable for a wide range of applications, particular
in land surveying, façade construction, archaeological, cultural heritage, environmental applications, monitoring of a rock
slide, management of construction site safety (Theodoridou et al 2000 : Eisenbeiß 2009 : Irizarry et al 2012). Images taken
from UAVs have been used for the generation of 3D-model of existing buildings (Theodoridou et al 2000 : Zischinsky et al
2000 :Jizhou, et al 2004).

However, although several researchers have previously introduced UAV technology to civil engineering applications, and
it indeed promises to provide more cost- and task-efficient ways to conventional approaches, its performance in the
construction environment has yet to be scientifically explored and evaluated (Siebert and Teizer 2014). For example,
surveying applications are relying mostly on labor-intensive GPS, Robotic Total Station (RTS), laser scanning, and
tachymetry. In addition, there are air- or space-borne technologies available, but their selection depends on the terrain and
size of the area that must be surveyed. They are limited in range, very labour intensive and costly, have potentially high
measurement errors, and are time consuming to perform. UAVs offer a potential solution to these concerns. Once UAV
technology proves to be accurate and reliable it might assist or replace a specific segment in surveying applications (Siebert
and Teizer 2014).

A whole system normally includes radio-controlled aerial photography with the help of a model helicopter, digital
photogrammetry, image processing, and GPS for the measurement of checkpoints (Theodoridou et al 2000). With the
stereoscopic images by the model helicopter, it is possible to obtain surveying products such as digital models of
excavations’ ground, linear designs in digital form and/or printed and rectified images. The derived digital files contain 3D
information and can also be used in 3D modelling programmes for photorealistic computer representations (Theodoridou
et al 2000).

4. INTEGRATED UAV AND BIM TECHNOLOGIES

4.1 Use of UAV and BIM technologies for record collection and progress of works monitoring

In terms of time management in construction projects, UAVs can be used to achieve a more efficient collection of records
and effective updating of the works programme, that will enable a dynamic infrastructure project management.

Moreover, as presented above, BIM technology is now part of the construction industry and it is mostly used in the design
period of construction projects, but its use can be proven very helpful in the construction period as well as post construction
in various means. Regarding managing time in infrastructure construction projects, BIM technology, with the particularly
useful 3D illustrations it can provide, can be used to have effective record keeping, monitor and manage the progress of
works effectively and efficiently. BIM technology could provide 4D visualization (3D + time) of the construction
programme and construction process, a fact that can be extremely valuable tool for all the parties involved in a construction
project. UAV technology can be added to this tool in order to provide more accurate, efficient and possibly automated
results. It would be extremely useful to all project participants if UAV use in conjunction with BIM technology, could
achieve automated 4D visualization of the works progress. There are technological and practical challenges encountered in
this development which must be explored.

4.2 Use of BIM and UAV technologies in delay and disruption analysis and dispute resolution in infrastructure
projects

In construction projects time related issues such as work progress, completion in accordance to the agreed timeframes and
caused delay have been fundamentally vital issues, and in a typical construction contract such time related matters are dealt
with by the contract provisions.

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-5

In the event of delay there are usually provisions for extension of time award to the contractor with possible reimbursement
for the extra cost and expenses caused by this extension of time to the contract duration. In the case the contractor is not
entitled to extension of time, the owner will be possibly entitled to amounts as compensation for the time prohibited from
using his development. Even in the event of completion within the time agreed, under certain circumstances a contractor
may have claims for reimbursement for extra costs incurred due to induced acceleration measures he had to take to mitigate
disruption caused to the progress of the works by the owner or his representatives.

Depending on the size of the project and the agreement amount, these reimbursement sums may be extremely high.
Therefore methods for effective project management for the avoidance of delays or effective delay analysis and mitigation
measures are essential; moreover, methods for collecting efficiently information during the construction process so that
disputes regarding time are avoided or resolved in a quick and fair manner are required. During the preparation of a claim
for extra cost and reimbursement due to caused delay, the delay analysis will be significant for the presentation of the claim
as well as the dispute resolution procedure.

There are four main methods of delay analysis that are being used in order to justify the effect of a disruption event: the
as-planned vs as-built method, as-planned impacted method, as-built but-for method, and the time impacted method. There
has been much discussion regarding the most preferable method and each method’s acceptance by the courts (SCL 2006)
but the extremely theoretical basis of all these methods is an acknowledged issue (Gorse et al 2005). There should be a
more practical and accurate method of analysing the actual effects and delay caused by disruption events.

BIM technology can be used to illustrate a project’s as-built information in 3D and enable all the involved parties
appreciate the actual works progress and identify possible causes of delay. The project managers can also use this
information to take appropriate decisions in order to avoid or reduce the effect of such delay events. Also in the event of a
dispute on caused delay BIM technology can enable an accurate and detailed record keeping during any construction phase
(Shi et al 2009) which is essential for the preparation of a fair and detailed analysis of the delay effects and their actual
effect on the works progress, as well as the examination of such delay analysis. In fact a BIM model analysed in time (4D)
can act like a witness because it is a large and important source of record information.

Visual means are not strange to dispute resolution proceedings, since courts and tribunals have had photographic evidence
before them in construction cases since at least 1875. Computerised visualizations have become relatively easy and cheap
to produce using modern computers and software, and 3D and 4D animations in identifying causation in construction
disputes as visual narratives and as evidence, and in various cases animations were used successfully in resolving the cause
and effect of disruption in complex scenarios (Burr and Pickavance 2010). Indeed, technological opportunities in the form
of document management systems and computerised visualisations are ways to combat the challenges of information
retrieval and the clear representation of the analysis (Gibbs 2012), however there are practical considerations that should be
kept in mind since demonstrative visuals by using BIM technology are merely props that help illustrating facts and
evidence, and they cannot substitute the principal means of evidence such as documents and witness testimonies (Ehle
2012).

5. METHODOLOGY
As demonstrated above during an infrastructure construction project the collection of data, and their management and
illustration is extremely important for effective project management.

In the occurrence of a disruption event the investigation of its effect on the works progress is usually divided to two steps:
First of all it is investigated whether the event caused any delay, and if yes the duration of this delay is estimated. Secondly
if the event did not cause any delay it is investigated whether there was any other effect on the normal progress of the
works. Someone also needs to check whether there was any other way to minimise this delay. Usually these are
investigated with analyses carried out using the computerised programmes and the works records and data.

This paper considers the use of an alternative methodology to achieve efficient and accurate as-built data collection and
illustration of the works progress during an infrastructure construction project in order to achieve more effective project
management, record keeping and delay analysis. The methodology considered is as follows:

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-6

 1. Time lapse cameras will be placed in various positions in a project site. These cameras will be programmed so that
by using time lapse photographs a short video will be created for each month of works (10 minute duration).
Therefore in the case of a disruption event someone will be able to see the exact situation of the site when this
event took place and the situation of the site after the event. These videos will be used as the “site diary and
reporting”.

2. 3D (or 4D) visual illustration of the works progress using UAV.

3. Smartphone mobile technology will be used so that the machinery presence on site will be able to be patterned.
Similar method will be attempted to be used for the human resources present on site.

4. Direct Comparison between the theoretical programmes of works as used in the traditional way of project works
management by using 3D illustrations.

By following these steps it is anticipated that this methodology will enable someone to collect efficiently continuous visual
records of the site conditions, 3D (or 4D) visualisation of the works progress, the human and machinery resources presence
and trajectory on site, and important data regarding the works progress (Diagram 1).

These will enable project managers to achieve more effective project management and easily illustrate the actual progress
of the works. In the case of a delay and disruption claim, examination or preparation, these records will give a transparent
and actual presentation of the actual effects of the disruption events. The contractor’s or the client’s representatives will be
able to present their case in a more effective way (Diagram 2). Most importantly during a dispute resolution procedure, the
arbitrator, the adjudicator or the judge will be able to actually visualise the descriptions included in the claims and
counterclaims so that the dispute resolution procedures are more efficient and cheaper.

Traditional
methodology

Daily site records

Site Diary, Photographs

Resources records Resources records

Mobile technology, Tim e-
Site Diary lapse camera videos

Works Progress Works Progress

Updated schedules, 3D (or4D) illustrations
Reports using UAV

Diagram 1: The suggested record keeping methodology

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-7

 Traditional Suggested BlM and
methodology UAV methodology

Delay caused el ay caused Delay caused No Delay caused

Calculation of the Comparison of the Contemporaneous Comparison of the

delay duration by
using one of the
theoretical delay
analysis methods (as-
planned v as- built,
as -built but for, as
planned impacted,
time impacted).
affected works calculation of the affected works
productivity with delay duration by productivity by
and without the using the 3D using the lapsed
disruption event illustrations created camera videos and
examined. The using the the records
productivity UAVcamera data and gathered by the
without disruption the records gathered UAV camera.
is often taken as by the UAV camera.
the one of the
theoretical works
programme.

Diagram 2: The suggested disruption event analysis methodology

6. RESOURCES
The use of BIM and UAV technologies in infrastructure project management and delay analysis will be explored using the
above methodology. The resources that will be used will be a UAV (quadcopter) with a camera, a time-lapse camera and
software for the analysis of the gathered data and construction of the 3D illustrations.

7. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK

Time in infrastructure construction projects has always been a fundamental issue as early as from the inception of a project,
during the construction process and often after the completion and delivery. Effective project management is essential for
the avoidance of delays and in the occurrence of delays detailed records and information are crucial so that disputes are
avoided or resolved in a quick and fair manner.

BIM technology is already part of the construction industry and it is considered as very useful in all phases of a
construction project. Its ability to give clear and dynamic visualisation and illustration of the works progress can play a
vital role in effective project management and delay and disruption analysis. UAV technology has also been used in the
construction industry for the efficient execution of various tasks.

An integrated use of BIM and UAV technologies may well comprise an alternative process that will enable an efficient and
accurate as-built data collection and illustration of the works progress during an infrastructure construction project, in order
to achieve more effective project management, record keeping and delay analysis. This innovative method of record
collection and keeping, progress works illustration and delay analysis will be the subject matter of a research programme in
real infrastructure projects. This method will be also exploited with the conjunctive use of mobile smartphone technology

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-8

 to pattern the machinery and resources presence on site, in order to investigate the possibility of achieving a contemporary
and more effective infrastructure project management.

REFERENCES
1 Abdelmohsen S, Lee J, Eastman C, “Automated Cost Analysis of Concept Design BIM Models”, 2011

2 Adams S, Friedland C and Levitan M, “Unmanned aerial vehicle data acquisition for damage assessment in
hurricane events, in Proceedings”, 8th International Workshop on Remote Sensing for Disaster Response,
November 2010

3 Arora N, Ogra A, “Mobile GIS for construction quality managers and surveyors”, 2012

4 Azhar S, “Building Information Modeling (BIM): trends, benefits, risks, and challenges for the AEC industry”,
Leadership and Management in Engineering 11(3): 241–252, 2011

5 Burr A, Pickavance K, “The Use of Visualisations in Case Presentation and Evidence”, Construction Law Journal ,
Volume 26, Number 1, 3-1, 2010

6 Carmona J and Irwin K, “BIM: Who, What, How and Why”, Building Operating Management,
〈http://www.facilitiesnet.com/software/article/ BIM-Who-What-How-and-Why–7546), 2009

7 Cheng M Y, Yang S C, “GIS-based cost estimates integrating with material layout planning”, Journal of
Construction Engineering and Management, vol. 127 (4), page 291-299, 2001

8 Currie L, “Building information modelling: Its impact on insurance, intellectual property rights and design
liability”, 2014

9 Eastman C, Teicholz P, Sacks R, Liston K, BIM handbook: a guide to building information modelling for owners,
managers, designers, engineers and contractors. 2nd ed. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. 504, 2011

10 Ehle B, “Effective Use of Demonstrative Exhibits in International Arbitration”, Czech (& Central European)
Yearbook of Arbitration, 2012, pp. 43-59

11 Eisenbeiß H, “UAV Photogrammetry”, Zurich, 2009

12 Evans R, Hill Dickinson update March 2014,

http://www.hilldickinson.com/pdf/Hill%20Dickinson%20professional%20risks%20newsletter%20spring%20201
4.pdf, accessed October 2014

13 Ezequiel C, Cua M, Libatique N, Tangonan G, Alampay R, Labuguen R, Favila C, Honrado J, Canos V, Devaney C,
Loreto A, Bacusmo J, Palma B, “UAV Aerial Imaging Applications for Post-Disaster Assessment”, Environmental
Management and Infrastructure Development

14 Fenn P, “Why construction Contracts go wrong (or an aetiological approach to construction disputes)”, Society of
Construction Law, 2002

15 Gibbs D, Emmitt S, Ruikar K, Lord W, “An investigation into whether building information modelling (BIM) can
assist with construction delay claims”, Proceedings of the First UK Academic Conference on BIM, Newcastle
Business School & School of Law Building, Northumbria University, 5-7 September 2012, pp. 36 – 44

16 Gorse C A, Ellis R, Hudson-Tyreman A, “Prospective delay analysis and adjudication”, Khosrowshahi, F (Ed.),
21st Annual ARCOM Conference, 7-9 September 2005, SOAS, University of London. Association of Researchers
in Construction Management, Vol. 2, 1133-41.

17 Hassan Ibrahim N, “Reviewing the evidence: use of digital collaboration technologies in major building and
infrastructure projects”, Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), Vol. 18, pg. 40-63,
http://www.itcon.org/2013/3, 2013

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-9

18 HM Government, Industrial strategy: government and industry in partnership, Building Information Modelling,
2012

19 Irizarry J, Gheisari M, Walker B N, “Usability assessment of drone technology as safety inspection tools”, 2012

20 Jizhou W, Zongjian L, Chengming L, “Reconstruction of buildings from a single UAV image”, International
Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, ISPRS Congress, Istanbul,
Turkey, XXXV, Part B8, 940-943, 2004

21 Jizhou W, Zongjian L, Chengming L, “Reconstruction of buildings from a single UAV image”, International
Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, ISPRS Congress, Istanbul,
Turkey, XXXV, Part B8, 940-943, 2004

22 Kim Y S, Oha S W, Cho Y K, Seo J W, “A PDA and wireless web-integrated system for quality inspection and
defect management of apartment housing projects”, Automation in Construction, Vol. 17, pp. 163-179, 2008

23 Lee G, Sacks R, Eastman C M, “Specifying parametric building object behaviour (BOB) for a building information
modelling system”, Automation in Construction, Vol.15, No.6, 758-776, 2006

24 Manning R, MessnerJ, “Case studies in BIM implementation for programming of healthcare facilities”, Journal of
Information Technology in Construction (ITcon) 13:446–457, 2008

25 Mom M, Hsieh S, “Toward performance assessment of BIM technology implementation”, 2012

26 Moon H, Kim H, Kim C, Kang L, “Development of a schedule-workspace interference management system

simultaneously considering the overlap level of parallel schedules and workspaces”, 2014

27 Naik G, Aditya M, Naik S, “GIS based 4d model development of planning and scheduling of a construction
project”, International Journal of innovation, management and technology, Vil. 2, No. 6, 2011

28 Pickavance K, Delay and Disruption in Construction Contracts, 4th ed., Sweet & Maxwell: London, UK, 2010.

29 Shi W, Kwan K, Shea G, Cao J, “A dynamic data model for mobile GIS”, Computers & Geosciences, Vol. 35, pp.
2210-2221, 2009

30 Siebert S, Teizer J, “Mobile 3D mapping for surveying earthwork projects using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(UAV) system”, 2014

31 Society of Construction Law, Protocol for Determining Extensions of Time and Compensations for Delay and
Disruption, 2002

32 Society of Construction Law, The Great Analysis Debate, 2006

33 Su H, “Research on construction contract under BIM conditions”, 2013

34 Succar B, “Building information modelling framework: A research and delivery foundation for industry
stakeholders”, 2008

35 Taylor J E, Bernstein P G, “Paradigm trajectories of building information modelling practice in project net-works”,
Journal of Management in Engineering 25(2): 69–76, 2009

36 Theodoridou S, Tokmakidis K, Skarlatos D, “Use of Radio-Controlled Model Helicopters in archaeology

Surveying and in Building Construction Industry”, International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing
and Spatial Information Sciences, XIX ISPRS Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, XXXIII-B5, 2000

37 Tserng H, Ho S, Jan S, “Developing BIM-assisted as-built schedule management system for general contractors”,
Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 20:1, 47-58, 2014

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-10

 38 Wang H, Li L, Jiao Y, Gea X, Shu-Cai Li S, “A relationship-based and object-oriented software for monitoring
management during geotechnical excavation”, 2014

39 Zhang D, Lu W, Rowlinson S, “Exploring BIM implementation: A case study in Hong Kong”

40 Zischinsky T, Dorffner L, Rottensteiner F, “Application of a new model helicopter system in architectural

photogrammetry”, IAPRS, Vol. XXXIII, Part B5, WG V/1, 2000

Proc. of SPIE Vol. 9535 95350C-11

View publication stats