Projects

Autonomous Mobile Indoor Robots for Building Monitoring

This research proposes a novel framework that uses autonomous multi-sensor fused mobile indoor robots for gathering information. The application focuses on the operation and maintenance phase of a project. For example, the collected data will be used to investigate the performance of buildings through the use of machine learning algorithms to enable the sustainable service of existing buildings. The autonomous mobile indoor robots will eliminate the need to commission, install, calibrate, and maintain traditional stationary sensor networks in existing buildings used to collect periodical or seasonal data. They will act as an on-demand application to support facility management operations related to the performance (e.g., occupant comfort and energy consumption) of buildings.

Cybersecurity Implications of Construction 4.0

The explicit adoption of new technologies by the construction industry is making cybersecurity of paramount importance. This research investigates the cybersecurity components of the entire construction life cycle by focusing on how a cyber-attack might happen, why would someone intend to undertake one, what might be compromised, what would be the impacts of it, and what can be made to mitigate it. Ongoing work in this research includes the development of a framework to understand and assess the vulnerabilities of a construction network (i.e., stakeholders and participants) and the spread of cyber vulnerability in a given network, as well as the development of threat models to understand the implications of cyberattacks in construction operations.

Economic and Productivity Impacts of Construction 3D Printing

The purpose of this study is to quantify the productivity, measured in terms of cost and time per amount of material, using 3D construction printing. We are conducting simulations using data from the industry to compare the productivity of construction projects using 3D printing and conventional building techniques. Through the development of different scenarios, we are conducting a comprehensive economic analysis to get a better understanding of the real implications of using this technology in construction projects. We believe that this study will assist researchers and practitioners in facilitating more rapid implementation of the 3D printing technology by considering the cost and time dimensions of implementing such technology. Also, this study is expanded to consider the effects of 3D printing on the construction supply chain by investigating changes in processes and suppliers.