Enhancing worker monitoring and management on large-scale construction sites with UAVs and digital twin modeling

Abstract

Monitoring large-scale work sites is challenging, particularly in vast outdoor areas. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide an effective solution for site monitoring and worker management. This paper introduces a UAV-based framework integrated with digital twin (DT) modeling to enhance real-time data management and worker authorization verification. The pretrained YOLO-LCA model improved detection accuracy from 31.5% to 96.4%. The framework combines multi-object tracking with 3D site reconstruction, enabling precise global registration and situational awareness. Cross-referencing UAV detections with GPS-enabled worker IDs ensures that only authorized personnel are present, effectively identifying unapproved workers. The proposed framework has undergone large-scale validation across multiple construction projects in Hong Kong, demonstrating significant potential for modernizing work site management. By integrating UAVs and DT technology, this framework supports efficient monitoring, operational safety, and informed decision-making, providing a scalable approach to addressing the demands of large-scale construction site management.