Using digital photogrammetry for pipe-works progress tracking

Pipe-works are among the most complicated items to be tracked in the course of monitoring construction project progress. Traditionally, the tracking of pipe-works progress is conducted either manually or using laser scanning technology. While laser scanning is a 3D imaging technique, and commercial software exists to construct 3D CAD models of piping based on such images, it suffers from portability, purchase cost, and other disadvantages. This paper describes digital photogrammetry technology as an alternative for pipe-works reconstruction and as a cost effective tracking tool. For validation, data was collected using a handheld digital camera to acquire images inside a new building under construction. Progress of the pipe-work networks of different types and sizes in the new building was monitored during the construction phases. In addition to the known accuracy and robustness of photogrammetry, it was found that the use of digital photogrammetry provided a practical and low-cost approach.