Investigating the potential of laser scanning technology in auditing continuous solid materials on construction sites.

Abstract

This research was carried out to investigate the potential of 3D laser scanning technology in the auditing of continuous solid materials found on construction sites in Uganda. The study was carried out on six construction sites in Kampala and aimed at automating the process of quantifying continuous materials (coarse and fine aggregate) since the existing methods used on construction sites are highly speculative and hence, inaccurate. Automating the auditing of these materials provides construction practitioners with the much needed accuracy that would facilitate more precise materials management especially in terms of planning for materials procurement. A review of literature was made about materials management in practice as well as the meaning of 3D Laser scanning, its history and applications in various industries among other things. A Faro 3D laser scanner was then used to scan the stockpiles of materials and subsequently, volumes were obtained using software like Autodesk Recap Pro and Civil 3D Metric. Empirical measurements were also carried out to test the accuracy of the equipment. Results were obtained, analysed and conclusions were made as regards the applicability of this technology in quantifying continuous solid materials.