Activity Segmentation and 3D-Visualization of Pusher-Loaded Earthmoving Operations from Position Data

By logging position data from GPS-equipped construction machines, we re-create daily activities as 3D animations to analyze performance and facilitate look-ahead scheduling. The 3D animation enables going back to any point in time and space to observe the activities as they took place. By segmenting data into a set of activities, it is possible to obtain actual measures of performance such as cycle times, production, speed profiles and idle times. The measures of performance can then be compared to those expected (e.g., theoretical speed profiles vs. observed profiles), and instances of significant difference can be flagged for further investigation. Idle times and queues that exceed prescribed thresholds can also be identified. In general, many of the traditional real-time performance analyses can be performed after the fact. Situations of interest can be identified automatically and the events in this manner enhances effective performance improvement in construction. The proposed research is explained and demonstrated using a real push-loaded earthmoving operation.