39586_FM 6/21/2006 16:5:22 Page 1

I N FO R M A T I O N TE C H N O L O G Y
FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS,
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
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39586_FM 7/14/2006 13:26:7 Page 3

I N FO R M A T I O N TE C H N O L O G Y
FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS,
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

Trefor Williams
Rutgers University

A u s t r a l i a C a n a d a M e x i c o S i n g a p o r e S p a i n U n i t e d K i n g d o m U n i t e d S t a t e s
39586_FM 7/28/2006 14:3:42 Page 4

Information Technology for Construction Managers, Architects and Engineers

Trefor Williams

Vice President, Technology Production Director: Production Manager:

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TO NANCY
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BRIEF CONTENTS

Preface xv

Chapter 1
Computers and the Construction Industry 1

Chapter 2
Knowledge and Information Management for Construction 17

Chapter 3
Using Computers for Construction Estimating 31

Chapter 4
Scheduling and the Computer 49

Chapter 5
Internet-Based Solutions for Small Companies and Projects 71

Chapter 6
Construction Web Portals—For Large and Complex Projects 89

Chapter 7
Content Management Systems for Construction Management 109

Chapter 8
Online Bidding and Online Plan Rooms 133

Chapter 9
3D, 4D, and 5D CAD Applications in Construction 145

Chapter 10
Software for Construction Accounting and Project Cost Control 165

Chapter 11
Construction Applications of Mobile and Wireless Computing 179
39586_brief 7/26/2006 13:42:37 Page 8

Chapter 12
Automation and Robotics in the Construction Industry 201

Chapter 13
A Roadmap for Construction IT Implementation 223

Glossary 231

Index 234

viii Information Technology for Construction Managers, Architects and Engineers

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface xv

Chapter 1 Computers and the Construction Industry 1

Computers and the Construction Industry 1
Definition of IT and Web-Based Systems 2
The Internet and the World Wide Web 2
Basics of the Internet and Client/Server Computing 3
The Benefits of IT Use 6
How is IT Currently Used in Construction? 7
Promoting IT: Adoption Within the Construction Firm 8
The Universe of Construction IT Applications 10
Planning the Implementation of IT Projects 12
Conclusions 14
References 14

Chapter 2 Knowledge and Information Management for Construction 17

Knowledge and Information 17
Introduction to Knowledge Management 18
Examples of Knowledge Management from Other Industries 19
Tacit and Explicit Knowledge 20
IT Systems for Capturing Tacit and Explicit Knowledge 21
Potential Uses of Construction Knowledge Management and Its Relationship to Information
Management 22
Barriers to KM Use 23
Some Suggested Areas and Techniques for Developing KM Systems 24
The Link Between Knowledge Management and Information Technology 25
“Communities of Practice” as a Construction Knowledge
Management Tool 25
Using Concept Maps to Capture Construction Company Knowledge 26
Conclusions 29
References 29

Chapter 3 Using Computers for Construction Estimating 31

Estimating Software 31
A Discussion of Programs and Their Capabilities 32
Interoperability with CAD Documents 34
Some Examples Using HeavyBid 35
The Master Estimate 35
Establishing a Bid 35
Adding Bid Items, Activities, and Resources 37
Finishing the Bid Estimate 38
Exporting and Importing HeavyBid Data 42
Appia Estimator: Estimating Software for the Owner and Designer 42
Some Conclusions About the Use of Estimating Software 47
Web Links To Estimating Software 47
References 48
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Chapter 4 Scheduling and the Computer 49

Industry Acceptance of CPM Software for Scheduling 50
Simple Schedules Using Excel 50
Critical Path Method Scheduling and the Computer 51
Introduction 52
Reasons for Using CPM to Schedule Construction Projects 52
What is the Critical Path Method? 52
The Capabilities of CPM Software 53
The Core Functions of Any CPM Software 54
Advanced Scheduling Capabilities Using CPM Software 58
Multi-User and Web-Based Scheduling 60
Requirements for Using Microsoft Project Software in a Client/Server Environment 60
Enabling Web-based Exchange of Information Using Microsoft Project 60
Configuring Primavera for Networks and Web Access 61
Monte Carlo Simulation—An Extension of CPM 61
A PertMaster Example 62
Conclusions 69
References 69

Chapter 5 Internet-Based Solutions for Small Companies and Projects 71

Weblogs 72
Introduction 72
Weblogs for Small Contractors and Small Projects 72
Basic Weblog Functions 72
Evolving Weblog Capabilities 73
Available Weblog Services and Software 73
Weblog Example 75
Considering Potential Weblog Applications 79
Wiki 80
Peer-To-Peer Networking For Construction Project Management 83
Introduction 83
Peer-to-Peer versus Client-Server Architecture 84
Groove 84
Other Useful Peer-to-Peer Products 86
Web Sites 88
References 88

Chapter 6 Construction Web Portals—For Large and Complex Projects 89

What is a Web Portal? 89
Potential Benefits of Using a Web Portal 89
A Central Point for Information Exchange 90
Types of Documents Exchanged 90
Integration of Design and Construction 90
Web Portal Service Providers 90
Web Portals and Mobile Computing 91
Cost of Web Portal Software 91
A Web Portal Example: Constructware 91
Some Basic Features of Constructware 92
Projectwise: A Web Portal to Manage Design Information 103
Cautions in the use of Web Portals 106
Links to Web Portal Service Providers 106
References 108

x Information Technology for Construction Managers, Architects and Engineers

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Chapter 7 Content Management Systems for Construction Management 109

Content Management Systems 109
Introduction to Content Management Systems 109
Basic Content Management System Capabilities 110
Possible Applications of Content Management Systems in Construction 111
General Benefits of Using CMS Systems 112
Ways of Implementing a CMS System 112
Considering Possible Construction CMS Structures 113
A Simple Content Management System 114
CityDesk Application for Maintenance Information and Knowledge 115
An Example Content Management System using Open-Source Software 118
Introduction to the PHP-Nuke Content Management System 119
An Example CMS Using PHP-Nuke 121
Commercial Software For CMS Applications 125
Content Management Solutions from Major Software Companies 125
Commercially Available Hosted Systems for Small Contractors 126
An Example Using SharePoint Services 129
Conclusions 132
References 132

Chapter 8 Online Bidding and Online Plan Rooms 133

Online Plan Rooms 133
Online Bidding 134
Online Bidding Example 135
Bid Express 135
The Functions of Bid Express 135
Digital Plan Room 135
One- and Two-way Bidding 135
Using the Expedite Program with the Bid Express Service 136
Downloading Bid Forms from the Web 136
Entering Bid Prices 138
Entering DBE Commitments 138
Bid Bonds 139
Digital Signatures 140
Subcontractor Quotations 140
Modifying and Removing Bids 140
Using Bid Express to View Bid Results 140
Bid Tab Analysis 140
Costs of Using Bid Express 142
Reverse Online Auctions 142
The Future of Online Bidding and Online Plan Rooms 144
References 144

Chapter 9 3D, 4D, and 5D CAD Applications in Construction 145

What are 3D, 4D, and 5D CAD Programs? 145
3D CAD Software 145
Some Popular 3D CAD Software 149
4D CAD for Construction Planning and Scheduling 153
A Summary of 4D and 5D CAD Benefits 153
When is It Appropriate to Use 4D CAD? 153
Some 4D and 5D CAD Software 154
5D CAD Software: Graphisoft Constructor 158
Software Web Sites 163
Conclusions 164
References 164

Table of Contents xi
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Chapter 10 Software for Construction Accounting and Project Cost Control 165
Purpose and Function of Accounting and Cost Control Software 166
Some Accounting and Cost Control Examples Using JobView 167
A Consideration of More Complex Accounting Software: Dexter & Chaney’s Forefront 173
A Review of Some Available Construction Accounting Software 174
The Trend Toward Software Integration 175
Conclusions 177
Links to Accounting Software Web Pages 177
References 177

Chapter 11 Construction Applications of Mobile and Wireless Computing 179

Computers in the Field 179
Benefits of Mobile Computing 180
Hardware for Mobile Computing 180
Wireless Networks 181
Wi-Fi Networks 181
Wi-Fi on the Construction Site 182
Examples of Wi-Fi Use in Construction 183
Wireless Connectivity Using the Cellular Network 183
Virtual Private Networks 184
Thin Client Computing 184
Wireless Mesh Networks 184
WiMax: An Emerging Technology for Wireless Wide Area Networks 186
Mobile Construction IT Applications 187
Data Collection Applications 187
A Mobile Application to Provide Graphical Design Data for Highway Projects 191
Mobile Versions of Popular Software 191
Using Web-Based Applications in the Field 193
Collaboration and Knowledge Management at the Construction Site Using E-Books and
the Internet 194
Electronic Books 194
Using Web-Based Software to Promote Learning 196
Conclusions 198
Web Links to Equipment and Software 198
References 199

Chapter 12 Automation and Robotics in the Construction Industry 201

What Is Automation? 202
What Is a Robot? 202
Reasons for Automating Construction 202
Benefits of Applying Automation 203
Barriers to the Implementation of Automation in the Construction Industry 203
Heavy Construction Applications 203
Caterpillar Accugrade 203
BOMAG Applications for Soil and Asphalt Compaction 204
Topcon Applications 205
Automated Monitoring of Construction Equipment Location and Performance 207
Details of the Trimble Construction Manager Software 207
Robotics in Construction 211
Tag and Sensor Devices 213
RFID Tags 213
Sensors 213
Wireless Sensors 215
Web Cameras to Automatically Record Construction Progress 217
The TrueLook Web Camera System 218

xii Information Technology for Construction Managers, Architects and Engineers

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Sources for More Information About Automation 220

Conclusions 221
Summary of Web Links 221
References 221

Chapter 13 A Roadmap for Construction IT Implementation 223

Defining the Goals of an IT Project 223
Knowledge or Information? 223
What Are Your IT Resources and Capabilities? 224
What Size Projects Do You Do? 225
Considering IT Tools for Large Projects 225
Partners 226
Implementation Phases 226
Phase 1 226
Phase 2 227
Phase 3 227
Phase 4 227
Conclusions 229
References 229
Glossary 231
Index 234

Table of Contents xiii

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39586_Preface 7/17/2006 10:15:55 Page 15

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION
This book has been written as a tool for practicing construction managers, engineers, and archi-
tects who want to know more about the application of information technology in the construction
industry. The scope of the book is broad, covering a wide variety of IT issues including computer
software applications, 4D CAD, the Internet, knowledge management, computer networking, and
automation. The book includes consideration of well-established IT solutions such as scheduling
and estimating software along with emerging trends such as web portals, knowledge management,
and mobile computing.
Most people in the construction industry are very busy. This book is intended to be a reference
about possible IT applications in construction. This book has also been written to provide students in
construction management classes at both the graduate and undergraduate level with an introduction
to the use of computers in construction and to suggest emerging research areas.

REASONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

The approach of this book is to provide a comprehensive treatment of IT applications in the con-
struction industry. Few books exist that address construction IT in its entirety. Additionally, the
book covers areas that have emerged recently including web-based systems and the widespread
use of wireless and mobile computing. This book aims to provide a reference for the full range of
IT activities in construction.
Some of the IT systems considered in this book are very expensive and their use is probably
limited to large construction projects. Another reason for the development of this book is to sug-
gest inexpensive and easy-to-use applications for smaller projects along with the more compli-
cated solutions. Discussions of technologies such as weblogs, content management systems, and
peer-to-peer networking are included in the book to show the relative ease with which the new IT
technology is applicable to all types of users.

Emerging Trends
The use of IT in the construction industry is developing at a rapid pace. This book includes
emerging areas of IT application in the construction industry that have the potential to revolu-
tionize how construction projects are managed, including information about 4D and 5D CAD.
This text responds to emerging trends in the construction industry by providing:
● Extensive coverage of the use of the Internet and web-based systems.
● A discussion of knowledge management and collaboration.
● Consideration of data exchange and integration of software.
39586_Preface 7/14/2006 16:25:9 Page 16

Level of Expertise
A reader does not need extensive experience with computers to understand the concepts dis-
cussed in this book. The primary purpose of the book is to provide managers and students
with an idea of what can be accomplished using IT. Anyone who has used a personal computer
and a web browser can understand the concepts and examples presented in the book.

GENERAL ORGANIZATION OF THE BOOK

The book is organized in chapters that focus on specific IT topics of concern to construc-
tion managers. Chapter 1 provides an introduction and focuses on describing the basics of
the Internet. Chapter 2 discusses how the emerging area of knowledge management can be
applied in construction. Chapters 3 and 4 focus on two issues that have traditionally been
computerized in the construction industry: estimating and scheduling. These chapters also
describe the latest capabilities of scheduling and estimating software. Chapters 5 through 8
concentrate on the emerging uses of the Internet to manage construction projects and
exchange information and knowledge. These chapters also include discussion of web por-
tals, weblogs, peer-to-peer networking, and online bidding. Chapter 9 describes how 3D,
4D, and 5D CAD are employed in the construction industry. Chapter 10 discusses how
accounting software is employed in the construction industry. Chapters 11 and 12 deal
with the emerging issues of mobile computing, wireless connectivity at the construction
site, the automation of construction equipment, and the application of sensors at the con-
struction site. Finally, Chapter 13 provides a roadmap for the implementation of IT based
on a firm’s familiarity with IT. Most chapters are structured to provide a general introduc-
tion to the IT topic, a discussion of existing applications, a discussion of some of the popu-
lar software or equipment available, and then some illustrated examples of the functions of
software or equipment.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Many people have assisted me in the writing of this book. Valerie Watson and Joe Phelan of
InfoTech provided extensive demonstrations and information about the line of InfoTech
programs and the Bid Express Online bidding system. Nicholas Johnson and Tracy Murphy
of Constructware provided access to the Constructware web portal and good examples of
the uses of Constructware. Dominic Gallello of Graphisoft took the time to answer my
questions about 4D and 5D CAD and provided examples of 4D CAD applications. Greg
Duyka, Heather Charlesworth and Crystal Barger of On Center software helped me to learn
about paperless quantity takeoff. Amy Urban of Tripod Data Systems helped me find a good
picture of a ruggedized PDA. John Heinz of ATSG helped me understand the technical
details of Blackberry PDAs and provided screenshots of a construction application using
the Blackberry. Malcolm Davies of Gehry Technologies provided pictures and information
about 4D CAD. Kelly Henry of Primavera answered several questions I had about the vari-
ous Primavera software offerings and helped me find good pictures of the capabilities of the
Primavera scheduling software. Chris Connolly and Hans Josef Kloubert of BOMAG pro-
vided information about BOMAG’s automated compaction systems. Dean Bowman and
John Schown of Bentley Systems provided valuable information about Bentley’s construc-
tion related products. Daniel Wallace of Trimble helped me understand how GPS can be
used to monitor construction equipment. Christian Grill of Engius provided a picture and

xvi Information Technology for Construction Managers, Architects and Engineers

39586_Preface 7/26/2006 13:52:40 Page 17

case study of the intelliRock system. Pete Quintas of SilkRoad provided information about
SilkBlogs and Truelook. Pete also graciously donated the use of the SilkBlog web service to
allow us to experiment with the use of weblogs on construction projects. Jay Shapiro
allowed us to use weblogs on one of his projects, and provided example schedules for this
book. The help of Arne Aakre and Jennifer Sokoloski of Jay Shapiro and Associates in
implementing the weblog is gratefully acknowledged. Doug Couto of the State of Michigan
provided many interesting discussions about IT, information about Field Manager and
many helpful comments about planning IT implementations. John LaPadula of Lockwood-
Greene helped me understand how scheduling is used in the construction industry.
I would like to thank several people for their encouragement during the writing of this
book. My friend Eleanor Fried always provided me with good advice. My friend and col-
league Ali Maher, the Chairman of the Civil Engineering Department at Rutgers University,
encouraged and advised me throughout the writing of this book. My wife, Nancy, was, as
always, a great help and inspiration.
Thomson Delmar Learning and the author would also like to thank the following
reviewers who provided valuable comments during the development of the manuscript:

Boong-yeol Ryoo, Florida International University

Chul Kim, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Douglass Couto, Michigan Department of Information
James Jenkins, Purdue University
Joe Phelan, Info Tech., Inc.
Kirk Pickerel, Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.
Mike Dunbar, Associated Builders & Contractors
William Whitbeck, Michigan State University

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trefor Williams is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Rutgers University. He has taught con-
struction management at Rutgers for 19 years. He received his PhD in Civil Engineering
from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1987. He also holds an M.S. in Civil Engineer-
ing from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Syracuse University. He has
several years of experience as a project engineer for highway and traffic signal construc-
tion projects where he was responsible for construction quality control and implementa-
tion of traffic control systems. His research interests include mobile computing, web-based
applications for construction management, dredging operations management, and analysis
of construction project bidding using artificial intelligence and statistics. He is a member of
the Transportation Research Board’s Construction Management Committee, the ASCE
Construction Research Council and the ASCE Construction Institute’s Wireless Construc-
tion Committee. Dr. Williams is a Professional Engineer in New York and New Jersey.

Preface xvii
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