THE USE OF MOBILE COMPUTERS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

When construction engineers perform their work in the jobsite, they have to record as-built conditions in the project log (Data Collection). On the other hand, the engineers often have to refer to the construction documents when necessary at the job faces (Data Access). The practice of Data Collection and Data Access in the jobsite can be greatly enhanced by utilizing mobile computing with wireless communications. In this paper, two cases of mobile computing applications for construction field management are presented; Mobile Specifications System and Mobile Data Collection System. The demonstration of the process for developing two mobile applications is the primary purpose of the paper. The problems and issues involved with adopting mobile computing for construction field are also presented. The simple information framework for mobile computing has been also proposed as an outcome of the research. As for development tools, readily available relational database and wireless network have been used. The use of commercial mobile broadband was examined for data communication where local area network is not available.