Embedding RFID Tags into Precast Structural Components for Tracking and Holistic Real-Time Lean Construction Management

Building Information Modeling (BIM), Lean Construction Management (LCM) and many other methods are already used to optimise the processes and increase the efficiency in the construction industry. Construction site management can be digitalised using common Industry 4.0 technologies, like smart devices and assets (tablets, smartphones, sensors, beacons, etc.). Mobile devices are nowadays an essential tool in our everyday life, and applications that can be used on construction sites support staff in organisation and communication. Furthermore, they can aid with project control and monitoring, as well as with supply chain management processes. This paper presents a concept for connecting precast structural material with integrated RFID tags with BIM models in real time by using electronic readers and mobile device applications. In order to connect the physical components with their virtual or digital representations, the attributes of BIM models were used, into which the unique ID of the RFID transponder were implemented. As a novel approach, BIM models were connected wirelessly to physical building materials by using RFID and wireless IoT technologies in a cross-platform application, thereby enabling the BIM models to be actively used throughout the life cycle of a building (planning, production, construction, maintenance and operation). Application areas include material tracking, warehouse inventory management, transportation planning, real-time model-based scheduling and model based navigation.