Inspection of public building construction with digital technologies

360o cameras

Abstract

Construction site supervision and monitoring are essential activities in the construction industry. The most common inspection and control practices rely on individual observations and manual data collection, making them susceptible to human error. Studies highlight the potential of image-based digital technologies as alternatives that enable more agile, effective, and transparent monitoring of construction sites. However, public building construction inspections still lack the application of these technologies, despite frequent reports of irregularities by regulatory bodies. This study proposes a method for integrating 360° cameras into public building construction inspection processes. The research employed the Design Science Research methodology, beginning with a literature review, followed by interviews with construction inspectors. Empirical studies were conducted at two public building construction sites in a small town in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, followed by an evaluation of the use of 360° cameras for construction inspection. In addition to the proposed method, the study identified benefits, technical and legal constraints, and monitorable parameters associated with the use of 360° images. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of these technologies on the inspection of public building construcion, highlighting both the challenges and advantages of their implementation within the context of this investigation and potential generalisations by other public authorities.