ITcon Vol. 19, pg. 1-19, http://www.itcon.org/2014/1

Evaluation of sensing technology for the prevention of backover accidents in construction work zones

submitted:August 2013
revised:December 2013
published:January 2014
editor(s):Lee G
authors:Sooyoung Choe, PhD Student,
Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin,
email: sooyoung.choe@utexas.edu

Fernanda Leite, Assistant Professor,
Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin,
email: fernanda.leite@austin.utexas.edu

Dan Seedah, Research Associate,
Center for Transportation Research, The University of Texas at Austin,
email: dseedah@mail.utexas.edu

Carlos Caldas, Associate Professor,
Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin,
email: caldas@mail.utexas.edu
summary:Various sensing technologies, such as video cameras, ultrasonic, radars and tag-based systems, have been developed and tested to prevent collisions within blind areas of construction equipment. However, the performance of sensing technologies varies in different environments, such as dynamic vehicle conditions or characteristics of sensing technologies. Also, there are little standardized testing protocols to evaluate sensor systems performance in an objective manner. Therefore, this paper focuses on evaluating sensing systems performance based on a test design developed specifically for construction back-over safety practices. The presented testbed designs include sensor installation, static test, dynamic test, and dirty sensor test. Each test presents a generalized sensor evaluation factors that should be considered and results are shown in tabular and graphical formats. Contents of this study are expected to help researchers evaluate new technologies objectively and provide users with a better understanding of the implementation of sensing technologies in construction work zones to improve safety.
keywords:Construction Safety, Back-over accidents, Sensing technology, Sensor evaluation factor, Testbed design
full text: (PDF file, 1.869 MB)
citation:Choe S, Leite F, Seedah D, Caldas C (2014). Evaluation of sensing technology for the prevention of backover accidents in construction work zones, ITcon Vol. 19, pg. 1-19, https://www.itcon.org/2014/1