NBSIR 87-3599

Potential Applications of A

Sequential Construction Analyzer

Larry W, Masters

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Building Technology

Gaithersburg, MD 20899

May 1987

Issued December 1987

Prepared for: U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

P.O. Box 4005

Champaign, IL 61820-1305

NBSIR 87-3599

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF A

SEQUENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ANALYZER

Larry W. Masters

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Bureau of Standards

National Engineering Laboratory

Center for Building Technology

Gaithersburg, MD 20899

May 1987

Issued December 1987

Prepared for: U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

P.O. Box 4005

Champaign, IL 61820-1305

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, C. William Verity, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABSTRACT iv

LIST OF TABLES v

1. INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background 1

1.2 Objectives of Study 2

1 .3 Scope 2

2. IDENTIFICATION OF APPLICATIONS OF A

SEQUENTIAL CONSTRUCTION ANALYZER (SCA) 3

2.1 Buildings 4

2.1.1 Exterior Envelope 4

2.1.2 Interior Space Dividers 5

2.1.3 Electrical Subsystem 6

2.1.4 Plumbing Subsystem 7

2.1.5 Space Heating and Cooling Subsystem 7

2.2 Construction Sites 7

2.3 Paving 8

3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 8

4. REFERENCES 10

iii
ABSTRACT

The need exists in construction applications for improved methods by

which (1) quality can be assured throughout the construction process,

(2) the degree of construction progress can be assessed and documented and

(3) the performance of systems and* materials can be assessed over time to

aid in maintenance decision-making. Although these aspects of

construction processes have traditionally been addressed empirically,

recent advances in computer technology have provided new opportunities for

improving upon the traditional methods. The Construction Engineering

Research Laboratory (CERL) of the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers, for

example, is exploring the use of a sequential construction analyzer to aid

in quality assurance, tracking construction progress, and obtaining data

for maintenance decision-making.

This study was carried out to identify potential applications of the

sequential construction analyzer in three areas of construction:

buildings, construction sites and paving.

Key words: computer image processing; condition assessment; construction

processes; quality assurance; sequential construction analyzer

iv
LIST OF TABLES

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Table 7

Quality Assurance Applications of the

Sequential Construction Analyzer in the

Exterior Envelope of Buildings

Quality Assurance Applications of the

Sequential Construction Analyzer in the

Interior Space Dividers of Buildings

Quality Assurance Applications of the

Sequential Construction Analyzer in the

Electrical Subsystems of Buildings

Quality Assurance Applications of the

Sequential Construction Analyzer in the

Plumbing Subsystem of Buildings

Quality Assurance Applications of the

Sequential Construction Analyzer in the Space

Heating and Cooling Subsystem of Buildings

Applications of the Sequential Construction

Analyzer in Construction Sites

Quality Assurance Applications of the Sequential

Construction Analyzer in Paving

Page

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

v
.

-

>p I

'
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

The U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers (CoE) is responsible for carrying out

and overseeing a wide range of construction functions, including, for

example, buildings, dams, waterways, and aircraft runways. In each type

of ‘construction, the need exists for improved methods by which (1) quality

can be assured throughout the construction process, (2) the degree of

construction progress can be assessed and documented, and (3) the

performance of systems and materials can be assessed over time to aid in

maintenance decision-making. Traditionally, the above aspects of

construction processes have been addressed empirically, largely through

visual assessments and a wide range of reporting formats.

With recent advances in computer technology, new opportunities have arisen

for improving upon the traditional methods. The CoE's Construction

Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), for example, is exploring the use

of a sequential construction analyzer (SCA) to aid in quality assurance,

tracking construction progress, and obtaining data for maintenance

decision-making. The SCA is a computer-based system which quantifies and

stores images, such as those obtained photographically using either

visible or thermal emanations. The intent of the SCA is to provide a means of documenting and tracking construction processes. Although

initial applications of the system are intended to focus upon quality

assurance during construction, other applications of the system are likely

in the future.

1
1 .2 Objectives of Study

The objectives of this study are to identify potential applications of the

SCA in construction applications which are of primary interest to the

Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), with a particular

emphasis on quality assurance activities and to illustrate an approach by

which other potential applications can be identified.

1 .3 Scope

This study focuses upon SCA applications in three primary areas of

construction: (1) buildings, (2) construction sites, and (3) paving. It

emphasizes SCA applications for assuring quality during the construction

process but cites other applications, such as tracking the performance of

materials and systems over time to aid maintenance decision-making.

2
2. IDENTIFICATION OF APPLICATIONS OF A SEQUENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

ANALYZER (SCA)

In order to survey potential SCA applications, this chapter will

systematically address three major types of construction of interest to

CEKL: buildings, construction sites and paving. Potential applications

will be considered through the use of tables which (1) divide each

construction process into its major elements, subelements and materials,

and (2) identify major properties or attributes of interest.

It is assumed in identifying potential SCA applications, that photographic

documentation of the elements, subelements, or materials would be

available. Photographic documentation may be obtained , for example,

using either a video camera or a thermographic camera. While photographic

documentation has long been used to provide qualitative data, recent

advances by researchers in the Center for Building Technology (CBT) of the

National Bureau of Standards (NBS) have led to methods for quantitatively

documenting properties of a number of building materials and systems (1-

7). A key advance in the CBT research has been the development and

application of a computer image processing system which quantifies

properties or defects, evident from either video or thermographically

generated photographic images. The research, which has addressed

delamination of adhesively-bonded seams of single-ply roofing membranes,

moisture in roofing, corrosion and blistering at the interface of organic

coatings on steel, roughness measures of sandblasted metallic substrates,

and porosity of hardened cement paste, has provided a basis for

nondestructive and quantitative assessment of numerous elements.

3
subelements and materials of construction.

Within each table to be presented, a numbering code is used to identify a potential SCA application and to identify the most likely method by which

an image portraying the application can be generated. For example, the

number code "1" denotes the use of a video camera and the number code "2"

denotes the use of a thermographic camera.

2.1 Buildings

A building can be divided into five major elements or subsystems:

(1) exterior envelope, (2) interior space divider, (3) electrical

subsystem, (A) plumbing subsystem, and (5) space heating and cooling

subsystem. Each of these elements can be further divided into subelements

and materials. For example, subelements of the exterior envelope are

roof, wall, doors and windows, foundation and floor.

2.1.1 Exterior Envelope

Table 1 contains, on the vertical axis, a listing of the subelements and

materials for the exterior envelope of a building and, on the horizontal

axis, a listing of key system and material properties or attributes.

Major subelements of the exterior envelope include roof, wall, doors and

windows, foundation, and floor. Properties or attributes are divided into

system and material properties. System properties would be assessed on the completed subelement and include skew, documentation of presence,

thermal performance and presence of moisture.

4
To illustrate the use of the table, the following examples from the first

four vertical columns of Table 1 are cited. Video camera photographs

(Code Number 1) can be used to document or assess skew of all completed

exterior envelope subelements (listed as "system" under each subelement)

and components of some subelements (for example, decking and structural

member of the roof). Video camera photographs can also be used to

document the presence of all subelements and other components or

materials. Such use of photographs may be helpful to inspectors in

ensuring compliance with specifications throughout the construction

process. Thermographic photographs are likely to be useful in assessing

thermal performance of completed exterior envelope subelements, such as

the roof, wall and doors and windows. In the fourth column, titled

"presence . of moisture,” both video and thermographic photographs may be

useful in documenting the presence of moisture. For example, moisture on

or in the completed roof could be detected photographically by video

camera if water is ponded on a flat roof or by aerial thermographic

photographs if the presence of water is not so obvious. The presence of

excessive moisture in insulation of roofs and exterior walls might best be

detected by exposing the insulation and documenting the moisture with a video camera.

2.1.2 Interior Space Dividers

Table 2 illustrates potential quality assurance applications of the SCA

for subelements and components or materials of interior space dividers.

Major subelements of interior space dividers are ceiling, wall, floor and

stairs.

5
As for the subelements and materials of the exterior envelope, video

camera photographs can be used to (1) document the presence and

(2) document the type or composition (e.g., gypsum board, tile or wood

ceiling; clear or pigmented coating) of all subelements, components and

materials of interior space dividers, assuming photographs are taken while

items of interest are visible. Numerous other potential applications are

illustrated in Table 2.

2.1.3 Electrical Subsystem

Potential SCA applications for the electrical subsystem of buildings are

shown in Table 3. Major subelements of the electrical subsystem include

(1) service entrance, (2) branch circuits, and (3) other.

Video camera photographs can be used to document the presence of and the

type or composition of all components or materials. For example, a single

photograph of the service entrance cable, including its label, could

perhaps be used to document its presence, document the type of cable

(aluminum, copper), document its size and document that it has been

terminated in compliance with specifications (safety) to the main power

breaker.

Under the property "conduct of electricity," photography is not identified

as a direct measurement tool. It could, however, be used indirectly to

document the conduct of electricity by photographing an operable fixture,

such as a light bulb.

6
2.1.4 Plumbing Subsystem

Table 4 presents potential SCA applications for the plumbing subsystem of

buildings. Major subelements of the plumbing subsystem include transport,

storage, heating and functional. Video camera photographs can be used to

document the presence, type or composition and size of all components or materials. For components of the Transport Subelement, video camera

photographs are shown on Table 4 to illustrate skew or slope of piping and

spigots. Skew or slope of valves, restraints and fasteners is unlikely to

be of interest and, therefore, is not shown as a potential application.

2.1.5 Space Heating and Cooling Subsystem

Potential SCA applications for the space heating and cooling subsystem are

shown in Table 5. Major subelements of the space heating and cooling

subsystem include (1) generation source, (2) transport, (3) storage, and

(4) other. System properties are listed as skew or slope, documentation

of presence, leaks and safety. Safety concerns of generation sources

which, for example, could be addressed using video camera photographs are

distance from flammable materials, venting facilities and restraints or fasteners.

2.2 Construction Sites

Table 6 illustrates potential SCA applications in construction sites.

Elements associated with construction sites are divided into three

categories: below grade, ground level, and above grade. Properties or attributes are divided into two main categories: (1) topographical and

7
(2) other. The SCA, for example, could be used at construction sites to

document changes in terrain as a result of the construction, changes in

vegetation patterns, and slope of terrain.

2.3 Paving

Table 7 illustrates potential SCA applications in paving. Paving elements

are listed as: (1) construction base, (2) pavement, (3) drainage system

and (4) safety- related system. Video camera photographs can be used, for

example, to document or assess skew or slope of completed construction

bases, pavements, drainage systems and safety-related subelements, such as surface markings, signs or markers, edge grading and guard rails.

Likewise video camera photographs can be used to document the presence of

all subelements, as shown in the table.

3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It is clear that many potential applications of a sequential construction

analyzer exist in the three major types of construction considered in this

report. Recent advances in the use of computers for image processing have

opened the door for major advances which can aid quality assurance,

tracking construction progress, and obtaining data for maintenance

decision-making.

While this report is limited to SCA applications in buildings,

construction sites and paving, opportunities for the use of SCA are

probably equally as great in construction areas such as dams, irrigation,

bridge construction, and other areas of interest to the Corps of

8
Engineers. The tables used in this report illustrate an approach by which

other opportunities can be identified.

It is recommended that:

1. Guidelines and criteria be developed for the use of SCA in

construction applications,

2. Studies be carried out to demonstrate the use of the SCA in selected

construction applications, and

3. Additional opportunities tor use of SCA in construction applications

not addressed in this report be identified for subsequent use by the

Corps of Engineers.

9
4.

REFERENCES

1. Martin, Jonathan W., McKnight, Mary E. and Bentz, Dale P., "A

Computer Image Processing System for Quantitatively Evaluating

Degradation in Building Materials," Proceedings of 34th DoD

Conference on Nondestructive Testing, October 1985.

2. Martin, Jonathan W., Bentz, Dale P., and McKnight, Mary E., "Surface

Roughness Measurements of Blasted Steel Panels Remotely Imaged Using

a Thermographic Camera, " Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings,

Steel Structures Painting Council, Pittsburgh, PA, December 19 86.

3. Martin, J.W. and Bentz, D.P., "Fractal-Based Description of the

Roughness of Blasted Steel Panels, " Journal of Coatings Technology,

35-41, February 1987.

4. Martin, Jonathan W. and Bentz, Dale P., "Roughness Measures of

Blasted Steel Surfaces Remotely Imaged with a Thermographic Camera, " Proc. of the Symposium on Corrosion Protection by Organic Coatings,

Edited by Martin W. Kendig and Henry Leidheiser, Jr., Published by

the Electrochemical Society, Inc., 10 S. Main Street, Pennington, NJ

08534-2896, January 19 87.

5. Martin, Jonathan W., McKnight, Mary E. and Bentz, Dale P.

,

"Thermographic Imaging and Computer Image Processing of Defects in

Building Materials, " Proc. International Conference on Thermal

Infrared Sensing for Diagnostics and Control, Herbert Kaplan,

Editor, SPIE Publication 581, 152-155, 1986.

6. Bentz, Dale P. and Martin, Jonathan W., "Selection of a Spatial

Sampling Procedure for Evaluating the Defect Area of a Coated Steel

Panel, " Journal of Coatings Technology, 43-49, July 1985.

7. Bentz, Dale P. and Martin, Jonathan W., "Using the Computer to Analyze

Coatings Defects, " Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings, Steel

Structures Painting Council, Pittsburgh, PA, May 1987.

10
Table 1. Quality Assurance Applications of the Sequential Construction Analyser

in the Exterior Envelope of Buildings

PROPERTIES OR ATTRIBUTES1

BUILDING ELEMENT SYSTEM PROPERTIES MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Skew Docmentation Thermal Presence of Voids Cracks Cleanliness Topography Color Thicxness Type or Delamination Corrosion

EXTERIOR ENVELOPE of presence Performance Moisture ( roughness) Composition

ROOF

- Sy6tan 1 1 2 1.2 - - - - - - 1 - -

- Exterior coating - 1 - - 1.2 1.2 1.2 - i - i 1.2 1.2

- Membrane - I - 1.2 1 1 1.2 - 1 i i 1.2 -

- Membrane joints - i - 2 2 1.2 2 - - - i 1.2 -

- Decking 1 i - - - - - - - i i - 1.2

- Structural member 1 i - - - - - - - i i - 1.2

- Insulation * i - 1 1 1 - - - i i - -

- Vapor barrier - i - 1 1 1 - - - - i - -

- Interior substrate - i - 1 1 1 1 - i i i 1 1.2

- Fasteners - i -

:

- - - - - - i - 1.2

- Seals/flashing - i - i 1 1 - - - - i 1 1.2

HALL

- System 1 i 2 1.2 - - - - - - 1 - -

- interior coating - i - - 1 1 1 - i - i 1.2 1.2

- Exterior substrate

or siding

(cladding)

1 i ' 1 1 1 2 i i 1 1 1.2

- Sheathing or Waterproofing

1 i - 1 1 i 1 1 “

- Structural member 1 i - - - - - - - i i - 1.2

- Insulation - i - 1 1 1 - - - i i - -

- Vapor barrier - i - 1 1 1 - - - - i - -

- Interior substrate 1 i - 1 1 1 1 - i i i 1 1.2

- Interior coating/ covering

i - l 1 1 1 - i - i 1.2 1.2

- Fasteners - i - - - - - - - - i - 1.2

- Seal's/ flashing - i - 1 1 1 - - - - i 1 1.2

DOOkS/UINDOHS

- System 1 i 2 1 - - - - - - i - -

- &terior coating - i - - 1 1 1 - i - i 1.2 1.2

- Base 'material (glazing) - i - ~ 1 1 * i “

- Frame 1 i - *- 1 1 - - - i i la 1.2

- Interior coating - i - - 1 1 1 - i - i 1.2 1.2

- Hardware 1 1 - - 1 1 - - - - 1 * 1.2

- Fasteners * i - - - - - - - - i - 1.2

- Seals/ flashing - i - - 1 1 - - - - I - 1.2 FOUNDATION

- Footxng 1 i - 1 1 1 - - - 1 i - -

- Mat 1 i - 1 1 1 - - - i i - -

- Pile 1 i - 1 - - - - - i i - 1.2

- Tie beam 1 i - 1 - - - - - I i 1 1.2 FLOOR

- System 1 i - 1.2 - - - - - - i - -

- Structural member 1 i - - - - - - - i i - 1.2

- Sub floor 1 i - - 1 1 - 1 - i i 1 1.2

- Finish flooring 1 i - - 1 1 1 1 i i i 1 -

- Floor coating/ covering

- i - - 1 1 1 - i i i 1 -

- Fasteners - i - - - - - - - - i - 1.2

- Seals/ flashing i 1 1 ' 1 1 1.2

timbers refer to the most likely method for generating the image to be analyzed by the SCA; 1-video camera; 2- tnermographic camera
Table 2. Quality Assurance Applications of the Sequential Construction

Analyzer in the Interior Space Dividers of Buildings

PROPERTIES OR ATTRIBUTES1

BUILDING ELEMENT SYSTEM PROPERTIES MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Interior Space Divider

Skew Documentation

of presence

Thermal PerformancePresence of MoistureVoids Cracks Cleanliness Topography

( roughness) Color Thickness Type-) or Delamination

Composition

Corrosion

CEILING

- System 1 1 1.2 - - - - - - 1 - -

- Coating/ covering - 1 - 1.2 1.2 1 - 1 - 1 1.2 1.2

- Substrate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1.2 (outer-most)

- Structural member 1 1 - - - - - - 1. 1 - 1.2 - Insulation - 1 1 1 1 - - - 1 1 - -

- Substrate 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 . 1 1.2 (inner-most)

- Fasteners - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 1.2 - Openings WALL

1 1 ~ “ - -

- System 1 1 1,2 - - - - - - 1 - -

- Coating/ covering - 1 - 1.2 1.2 1 - 1 - 1 1.2 1.2 - Substrate 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1.2 - Structural member 1 1 - - - - - - 1 1 - 1,2 Insulation - 1 i 1

• 1 - - - 1 1 - -

- Fasteners - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 1.2

- Openings 1 1 - - - - - - - 1 - -

- Trim vork 1 1 i 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1 1.2 FLOOR

- System 1 1 1.2 - - - - - - 1 - -

- Coating/ covering - 1 - 1.2 1.2 1 - 1 - 1 1.2 1.2 - Finish flooring ’l 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

- Subflooring 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 - 1 1 1 1.2

- Structural member 1 1 - - - - - - 1 1 - 1.2 - Fasteners - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 1.2 - Openings 1 1 - - - - - - - 1 - -

- Trim vorlc 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1 1.2 STAIRS

- System 1 1 1 - - - - - - 1 - -

- Coating/ covering - 1 - 1.2 1.2 1 - 1 - 1 1.2 1.2 - Finish flooring 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -

- Structural member 1 1 - - - - - - 1 1 - -

- Fasteners - 1 - - - - - - - 1 - 1.2 Trim work 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1 1.2

1 Nimbers refer to the most nicely method for generating the image to be analyzed by the SCAs l-video camera; 2-tnermographic camera
Table 3- Quality Assurance Applications of the Sequential Construction

Analyzer in the Electrical Subsystems of Buildings

i PROPERTIES OR ATTRIBUTES1

BUILDING ELEMENT SYSTEM PROPERTIES MATERIAL PROPERTIES

ELECTRICAL SUBSYSTEM Documentation

of presence

Conduct of ElectricitySafety Terminal

Overheating

Type or Composition

Size

SER7ICE ENTRANCE

- Entrance cable 1 - 1 2 1 1

- Breaker/ fuse box 1 - - - 1 1

- Breaker/fuses 1 - - - 1 1

- Fasteners 1 - - - 1 1

- Terminations 1 - 1 2 1 -

BRANCH CIRCUITS

- Cable 1 - 1 - 1 1 - Receptacles 1 - 1 2 1 -

- Switches 1 - 1 2 1. -

- Other terminations 1 - 1 2 1 -

- Enclosures 1 1 - 1 1 OTHER

- Electrical fixtures 1 - 1 2 1 -

- Electrical appliances 1 - 1 2 1 1

^"Numbers refer to the most likely method for generating the image to be analyzed by the SQA: 1-video camera 2-thermographic camera
Table 4. Quality Assurance Applications of the Sequential

Construction Analyzer in the Plumbing Subsystem of Buildings

PROPERTIES OR ATTRIBUTES1

BUILDING ELEMENT

PLUMBING SUBSYSTEM

TRANSPORT

- Piping

- Valves

- Spigots

- Restraints

- Fasteners

STORAGE

- Tank (interior)

- Sink

HEATING

- Water heater

- Solar collector (s) FUNCTIONAL

- Tub

- Shower

- Sink

- Toilet

- Laundry

- Dishwasher

Skew o r Slope

Documentation

of presence

SYSTEM PROPERTIES

Leaks Corrosion

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1 , 2

'

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

1.2

Type or Composition

Size

1 Numbers refer to the most likely method for generating the image to be analyzed by the SCA: 1-video camera; 2- thermographic camera

o Assuming conduits for heat transport fluid are visible from the front surface
Table 5. Quality Assurance Applications of the Sequential

Construction Analyzer in the Space Heating and

Cooling Subsystem of Buildings

PROPERTIES OR ATTRIBUTES

BUILDING ELEMENT

^ SPACE HEATING AND COOLING

SUBSYSTEM.

GENERATION SOURCE

- Furnace/burner

- Stove

- Heat pump

- Electrical heaters

- Air conditioner

- Radiators

- Solar collector

- Fireplace

- Fasteners

TRANSPORT

- Ductwork

- Piping

- Restraints

- Fasteners

- Conduction/ convection

STORAGE

- Tank

- Wall

- Rockbed

- Other

OTHER

Skew

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

SYSTEM PROPERTIES

Documentation Leaks

of presence

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1 .

1 2

1 2

1

1

1 2

1

1 2

1

1

1

Safety

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

- Chimney

Chimney liners
Table 6. Applications of the Sequential Construction Analyzer

in Construction Sites

PROPERTIES OR ATTRIBUTES1

SITE ELEMENTS TOPOGRAPHICAL PROPERTIES OTHER PROPERTIES

Slope Depth Height Width Vegetation Area

BELCM GRADE 1 1 - 1 1 1

GROUND LEVEL 1 - 1 1 1 1

ABOVE GRADE 1 1 1 1 1

1 Numbers refer to the most likely method for generating the image to be analyzed

by the SCA: 1-video camera; 2-thermographic camera
PROPERTIES

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NBS-114A (rev. 2 -ac) U.S. DEPT, OF COMM,.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

1. PUBLICATION OR

REPORT NO.

2. Performing Organ. Report No. 3. Publication Date

SHEET (See instructions) NBSIR 87 3599

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Potential Applications of a Sequential Construction Analyzer

5. AUTHOR(S)

Larry W. Masters

6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION (If joint or other than NBS. see instructions)

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

GAITHERSBURG, MD 20899

7. Contract/Grant No.

S. Type of Report & Period Covered

9. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS (Street. City. Stote, ZIP)

U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

P.0. Box 4005

Champaign, IL 61820-1305

10. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

|~~| Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached.

11. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bi bl iography or literature survey, mention it here)

The need exists in construction applications for improved methods by which 1) quality

can be assured throughout the construction process, 2) the degree of construction

progress can be assessed and documented and 3) the performance of systems and

materials can be assessed over time to aid in maintenance decision-making. Although

these aspects of construction processes have tradi tional ly been addressed empirically,

recent advances in computer technology have provided new opportunities for improving

upon the traditional methods. The Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL)

of the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers, for example, is exploring the use of a sequential construction analyzer to aid in quality assurance, tracking construction

progress, and obtaining data for maintenance decision-making.

This study was carried out to identify potential applications of the sequential

construction analyzer in three areas of construction; buildings, construction sites

and paving.

12. KEY WORDS (Six to twelve entries ; alphabetical order; capitalize only proper names; and separate key words by semicolon s) computer image processing; condition assessment; construction processes; quality

assurance; sequential construction analyzer

13. AVAILABILITY 14. NO. OF

PRINTED PAGES

Uni imited

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1 Order From Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. 15. Price

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