Skill-driven optimization of construction operations

Although product and process models have been developed for the construction industry, current representations of the processes do not allow reasoning about the suitability of a certain tool or construction method to a particular case. Such reasoning requires means to represent the movements of what in robotics are called “end-effectors” (e.g. trowel, saw and hammer), in this case activated by humans. Such a representation must take into account the human skills required to operate the end-effectors.; The main objective of this research was to develop the understanding and representation of skill in a manner that allows computer representation of human activities in construction. To achieve this goal two separate but conjugated methodologies have been developed. The first methodology has been developed for identification, classification and measurement of skill for physical movements such as the ones required by construction operations. The second methodology focuses on activity breakdown for skill measurement and provides an unequivocal representing and classification of construction operations into their most elementary types of movements. Combined, the two methodologies allow to perform job matching by skill level, design based on skill availability and more accurate identification of weak areas/more efficient training.; Even though the methodology was developed having construction operations in mind, it can be applied to any field that deals with physical activity involving large muscles. Skill measurements can be used for more realistic product and process models that are used for design, analysis, predictive purposes and other components of the construction delivery process.