A hardware-based RFID identification and tracking system for components in digitalised construction logistics

Establishing a link between digital data and the construction site process is a key step toward digitising and automating construction logistics. So far, digitisation has only reached this area to a limited extent. A critical gap remains: the transport of materials from their storage location to the final installation site is not recorded. Modern construction cranes are present on almost every building site and are responsible for transporting materials to their installation points. By recording materials on the crane hook, a large part of on-site transport and installation locations can be captured. The project aims to demonstrate the suitability of RFID technology under real construction site conditions. For this purpose, a prototype will be developed to track components and processes transported by crane. The recorded time, object, and crane telemetry will be superimposed to analyse the data and evaluate the feasibility of using RFID in this context. • An innovative RFID-Reading concept was developed get process insight on a construction project. • The system is comprising of a RFID-reader on a crane hook block and a mobile reader attached to the workers on ground to extend the reading range. • The system was successfully tested on an active construction site, applying it to three different transportation scenarios. • A robust network using LTE and Wi-Fi ensured “real-time” data transfer to a local database. • Based on the captured readings and position data of the crane, a comprehensive test-series was conducted. • The system lays the foundation for on-site material tracking, automated construction diaries and enhanced quality control.