RFID-Based Real-Time Locating System for Construction Safety Management

TLDR

The study develops an RFID‑based real‑time locating system to enhance safety management on construction sites where signal availability is challenged by moving obstacles. The system employs Time‑of‑Arrival localization, Chirp Spread Spectrum networking, and Assistant Tags to sustain signal coverage, while RFID provides data storage, transfer, and low installation cost. Two case studies demonstrate the system’s accurate localization, indicating strong potential to improve construction site safety management.

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a radiofrequency identification (RFID)–based real-time locating system (RTLS) for safety management. The particular focus of this paper is the creation of the RTLS, which provides accurate and robust localization performance in construction sites where it is otherwise very difficult to maintain signal availability because of many (moving) obstacles. Adopted were the Time of arrival method as a localization method, the Chirp spread spectrum as a wireless networking technology, and the Assistant Tag as a way to maintain enough signal availability for effective communication. In addition, the developed RTLS uses RFID to retain the latter's benefits (e.g., data storage, transfer capability, relatively inexpensive installation cost). To demonstrate the RTLS's localization performance, two case studies have been conducted; the results show great potential for use in improving construction site safety management.