Smart and semi-automated precast elements logistics management and installation system : smart crane navigation system

• Main Author: Ng, Jolin Xue Qi
• Other Authors: Tiong Lee Kong, Robert
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/68058
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The past decade saw the shift towards the reliance of technology in many fields of work in order to raise productivity and safety. However, this shift was not as significant in the construction field. This urged the Building & Construction Authority in Singapore to introduce the Construction Productivity Roadmap in 2010. One important move that the construction companies made then was embracing prefabrication of elements. As a result of the success of the first roadmap, a second roadmap was introduced in 2015, aimed at creating a better integrated construction value chain. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop preprogramed construction system, such as the Smart and Semi-automated Precast Elements Logistics Management and Installation System to harness maximal positive effects of prefabricated elements. The consequence of this new system will see an exponential increase in the working hours and reliance on the tower crane. However, despite the repeated calls by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA), the development of the automation in Tower Cranes remained stagnant. This study focuses on understanding the existing current tower crane operating system and development of a semi-automated tower crane system, which includes the new tower crane navigation system that will work together with the logistic management and tracking of the hoisting and installation systems. As a result of semi-automation, the new tower crane system will be able to provide a safer environment and job scope for the tower crane operators to work in and other workers on site while increasing the productivity at the construction site. However, there are some limitations to this proposed system. While this report provides new researches and ideas for the semi-automation of tower crane, additional studies have to be done to study its actual effectiveness and usefulness when implemented real-life.