Analysis of Construction Trade Worker Body Motions Using a Wearable and Wireless Motion Sensor Network

Enrique Valero, Aparajithan Sivanathan, Frédéric Bosché, Mohamed Abdel - Wahab

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Biomechanical analysis of construction workers has been considerably improvedwith the development of wearable sensors. Information delivered bythese systems is playing an important role in the evaluation of postures as wellas in the reduction of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). Inthis article, we present a novel system and data processing framework to deliverintuitive and understandable motion-related information about workers.The system uniquely integrates Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) devices ina wireless body area network, and the data processing uses a robust statemachine -based approach that assesses inadequate working postures based onstandard positions defined by the International Organization for Standardization(ISO). The system and data processing framework are collectivelyvalidated through experiments carried out with college trainees conductingtypical bricklaying tasks. The results illustrate the robustness of the systemunder demanding circumstances, and suggest its applicability in actualworking environments outside the college.Keywords: MSD, Postures, Construction, Wirel
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)48-55
Number of pages8
JournalAutomation in Construction
Volume83
Early online date29 Aug 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analysis of Construction Trade Worker Body Motions Using a Wearable and Wireless Motion Sensor Network'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this