Using reality capture technology for efficient cost valuation and work verification of construction projects

Purpose The study aims to apply reality capture technology to enhance the cost valuation and work verification process of work completed. Construction work completed during the execution phase must be evaluated periodically to ascertain the contractor’s financial resources invested for payment. The manual process is cumbersome and time-consuming, subjective due to human intervention and often results in assumptions complicating accurate and efficient project cost management. Claim disputes and delayed payment usually arise due to a lack of clarity on the value of work completed. Design/methodology/approach This study used proof of concept on an ongoing construction project to assess the valuation process of work done by using a reality capture (RC) technology – a drone for the acquisition of point cloud data for measurement extraction and valuation of work completed. Works verification was carried out using the as-design digital and as-built point cloud models. Findings The valuation process becomes dependable, transparent, accurate and efficient using RC technology, which can offer detailed digital data for visual inspection and assessment by all stakeholders. Extraction of quantities of work completed for cost valuation is done using the as-built point clouds obtained from aerial imagery captured by drones. Originality/value The study presents a practical solution by integrating RC technology into the cost valuation workflow to increase the correctness, transparency, efficiency and effective process for cost valuation, verification and payment certification. Using the potential of RC technology has enhanced communication, collaboration and coordination among the project stakeholders for seamless and timely payment approvals. This lessens the time for contractors’ claim approval since evidence of work done can be readily accessible remotely.