Complete and timely progress information is essential for assessing project performance, deciding corrective actions, and documenting as-built details. Collection of progress information, however, has been a manual process that is time-consuming and errors-prone. This paper proposes an automated framework for site information tracking and communication among project participants. The framework is unique in its ability to use low-cost information technology tools such as email and voice-based tools to facilitate bidirectional communication with site personnel. The proposed framework incorporates three essential components: a dictionary of activity-specific email data collection forms that include possible site events; a scheduling engine in which the activities are aware of their progress status and can initiate email request for as-built information from relevant supervisors; and a customized email application. In response to an email request, the supervisor completes the user-friendly email and can attach notes, pictures, or videos. On a daily basis, the system automatically reads the supervisors’ responses and updates the schedule accordingly. The paper discusses the components of the proposed system and demonstrates its performance on a small bridge-pier foundation example. The proposed system automatically documents the evolution of all as-built details and provides timely data for corrective actions and dispute resolution. |
