Using GPS monitoring system to enhance productivity of construction equipment in large - scale construction companies in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Productivity of construction equipment refers to the value of work done in a period as a piece of individual equipment or as a fleet of equipment. Estimating the actual productivity of construction equipment requires tracking and monitoring. Manual data collection methods and data input procedures restrict access to precise and real-time performance data. This limitation creates a need for GPS tracking, eliminating human reporting errors and increasing productivity. GPS-based equipment tracking and monitoring systems are more efficient than traditional performance estimating systems on productivity assessment. Therefore, the main objectives of this study will be to i) Identify current issues in tracking and monitoring the construction equipment, ii) Investigate the tracking and monitoring information needed to enhance the productivity of construction equipment, and iii) Analyse the impact of GPS monitoring systems on the productivity of construction equipment. Relatively important issues in construction equipment tracking and monitoring were prioritized based on questionnaire responses. Using relative important index, tracking information needed to enhance productivity was prioritized based on questionnaire responses. The current equipment monitoring process of the selected construction company for the dump trucks was mapped and analyzed. The production of the dump truck is based on truckload, the number of trucks used for the operation, truckload time, truck haul time, dump time, and return time. The areas for process improvement for the dump trucks were identified using the prioritized outputs of the GPS monitoring system, which are machine location tracking, fuel consumption, trip history, idling trends, and route optimization. Finally, realistic recommendations for identified issues and future developments were suggested.