Ahmad Akib Uz Zaman

As transportation infrastructure systems continue to expand, the demand for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies in the assessment of urban infrastructure is expected to grow substantially, due to their strong potential for efficient data collection and post-processing. UAVs offer numerous advantages in infrastructure assessment, including enhanced time and cost efficiency, improved safety, and the ability to capture high-quality data. Furthermore, integrating various data-collecting sensors enhances the versatility of UAVs, enabling the acquisition of diverse data types to support comprehensive infrastructure evaluations. Numerous post-processing software applications utilizing various structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques have been developed, significantly facilitating the assessment process. However, researchers’ efforts to find the potentialities of this technology will be in vain if its applications are not utilized effectively in the practical field. Therefore, this study aims to determine the adaptation condition of UAV technologies in different Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) agencies to assess transportation infrastructure systems. This study also explores the quantitative analysis of benefits and challenges/barriers, expectations for every UAV and post-processing software, and the cutting-edge features that should be integrated with UAVs to effectively evaluate transportation infrastructure systems. A comprehensive survey form was distributed to all 50 DOTs and the FHWA, and 35 complete responses were recorded from 27 DOTs and the FHWA. The survey results show that 25 agencies currently use UAVs for roads or highways, and 23 DOTs for bridges, confirming these as the most commonly assessed infrastructure systems. The top benefits found in this study include safety, cost effectiveness, and time efficiency (mean ratings: 3.95–4.28), while weather, FAA regulations, and airspace restrictions are the main challenges. Respondents emphasize the need for longer flight times, better automation, and advanced data tools, underscoring growing adoption and highlighting the need to overcome technical, regulatory, and data privacy challenges for optimal UAV integration within transportation infrastructure systems management.

Purpose: Despite ongoing safety efforts, construction sites remain some of the most hazardous workplaces. This study introduces an innovative occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) training approach by creating a realistic virtual construction environment using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery and a game engine. Integrating OSHA regulations makes safety instructions more effective than traditional training. Design/methodology/approach: The research employs UAV-derived photogrammetry to generate a 3D textured mesh model of an active construction site. This model is integrated into a game engine to develop an interactive, first-person simulation where users explore the site and receive safety instructions at hazard points. Validation was conducted through questionnaire surveys of 13 construction professionals and 25 undergraduate students. Findings: The study shows that interactive game-based learning significantly improves trainees’ ability to identify and understand site-specific hazards. Survey responses from students and construction professionals indicated that the game is more effective in teaching safety protocols than traditional OSHA 30 training. Practical implications: The study demonstrates that integrating UAV photogrammetry with game engines enhances construction safety training by improving hazard recognition and knowledge retention. Survey results show higher effectiveness than traditional training. This approach enables realistic, site-specific safety instruction, supporting OSHA compliance and reducing accidents through interactive, immersive learning. Originality/value: This research enhances safety training by integrating high-fidelity 3D models from UAV photogrammetry with a game engine to develop an interactive learning platform. Unlike traditional methods with generic simulations, this approach reflects the specific conditions and hazards of active construction sites, offering tailored safety instructions.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has unique features that improve safety management in construction by visually identifying potential risks. Integrating BIM with a real-time game engine is a cutting-edge idea for more effective safety management. This study aims to conduct two case studies by integrating BIM data with game engines from two aspects: 1) Construction Safety Training and 2) Pre-construction Safety Management. A framework that covers techniques for extraction of safety ideas, managing the game engine, and character modeling tools and resources is used to carry out the case studies. In the first case study, a construction site was created by Revit, and a real-life scaffolding failure accident was simulated by Unity to warn workers to prevent similar future events. The second case study was conducted on the procedure of evacuation modeling in an emergency, integrating a BIM model and Unity following distinct pathways. This evacuation modeling can be used as a training platform for the occupants to acquaint themselves with the inside facility, show directions of the shortest evacuation path from specific points, and provide necessary information on emergency equipment. Finally, the study explains how the integration of the BIM model and game engine applications can be applied for effective, straightforward, and helpful safety management with the most efficient BIM data transition.