Detecting the hazards of lifting and carrying in construction through a coupled 3D sensing and IMUs sensing system

J. Chen, C. R. Ahn, S. Han

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Construction companies in Hong Kong suffer huge losses due to labor fatalities and injuries. More than 25% of all of the injuries and fatalities in all industries in Hong Kong are caused by the construction industry. This is different from the U.S., whose top injury cause for fatal injuries is a fall to a lower level (34%) and nonfatal injuries (23%). The most frequent type of injuries in Hong Kong is due to lifting and carrying (19.2%). Recently, automated 3D sensing systems (Kinect) have been employed to identify motion-related hazards to improve construction safety conditions. However, limitations (such as extreme light conditions, occlusions and misrepresentations) of 3D sensing systems hinder its application in engineering practices. To resolve those limitations, this research proposed a coupled system which integrates and synchronizes the Kinect with Inertial Measurement Unit (IMUs). With the help of the coupled system, IMUs could uninterruptedly collect motion data (accelerations and angular rates), even under extreme light conditions or under occlusions, while Kinect could provide a reference system for IMUs to construct postures. The whole sensor network will be able to capture complete and reliable data even if Kinect fails to work properly. Moreover, the proposed coupled system will also promote other human related research, such as productivity and labor tracking.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationComputing in Civil and Building Engineering - Proceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering
EditorsR. Raymond Issa, Ian Flood
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages1110-1117
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780784413616
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
Event2014 International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jun 23 2014Jun 25 2014

Publication series

NameComputing in Civil and Building Engineering - Proceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering

Other

Other2014 International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period6/23/146/25/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Detecting the hazards of lifting and carrying in construction through a coupled 3D sensing and IMUs sensing system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this