Evaluating Laser Tracking for the Improvement of Quality Control Methods of Precast Concrete

Current quality control (QC) methods of precast concrete are outdated and present challenges of human error and lengthy inspections. Current research into modernizing QC practices revolves around the implementation of laser scanners, with less focus on the possibility of using laser trackers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation of laser trackers into the QC process of precast concrete by comparing time, accuracy, and cost to the traditional method of using a tape measure. The time studies and accuracy tests were performed in the pre- and post-pour of the precast concrete process at a precast concrete plant using both the traditional and laser tracker methods. The time study data for the traditional methods was provided by the plant while the laser tracker data was collected during a visit to the plant by the laser technology company FARO. Due to cancelled production on the visit for the laser tracker, data collection was limited to the first checks in the pre- and post-pour processes which prevented an accuracy analysis. As a result, the focus shifted to the time study data collected for the available checks. While the laser tracker demonstration was incomplete, estimates were able to be made for the updated process, and a full economic analysis was able to be completed. The main findings of the study indicate that using the laser tracker results in an 80% reduction of time for the pre-pour and 38% reduction of time in the post-pour in comparison to the traditional QC method. In addition, using the laser tracker results in an annual savings of $47,806.51 from labor costs. The laser tracker is able to save time by making the inspection process more efficient. In the post-pour process, multiple pieces were able to be measured at once rather than one at a time. Additionally using the laser tracker is quicker than measuring by hand and removes potential human error by plotting a real time point. These savings in time resulted in lower labor costs in comparison to the traditional method. Overall, this study shows that the laser tracker is the quicker and cheaper method as the inspections are streamlined resulting in lower labor costs.