The Belgian Building Research Institute (BBRI) has the following three main missions in the service of construction sector:
- to perform scientific and technical research for the benefit of its members
- to supply technical information, assistance and consultancy to its members
- to contribute in general to innovation and development in the construction sector in particular by performing contract research upon request of the industry and the authorities.
BBRI is constantly searching for technological developments that increase the efficiency on construction sites. Wireless communication technology definitely offers ways of doing so. Wireless communication technology makes plans, technical information and other vital information available, even on site, close to the action. Wireless communication could also facilitate on site measurements, carried out for monitoring concrete curing, moisture content, degradation of building materials etc… Finally wireless communication could also be used for positioning purpose or for locating equipment and people on site. BBRI is joining the wireless community to be informed about recent developments, that could be useful for contractors. On the other hand, BBRI will inform technological companies and research centres about the requirements and needs of the construction sector. BBRI was involved in Mobi3Con, a European 7FP-project, in which it was aimed to develop a mobile 3D data collection, processing and dissemination solution for construction SME, enhanced with an UWB-positioning system. In Spatiodata a methodology is being set up to create the storybook of a building. The project’s goal is to meet the problem of information access of a building in a user centred way. Wireless technology is used for data exchange and for purpose of georeferencing. In the project TIS Intelligent Bouwen, grant-aided by IWT, a technology watch has been carried out, focusing on construction site applications.
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