Contact

Need help?

For technical questions about Moticon products

Contact Support

Want to say hello?

Drop us a message for general questions or inquiries

Write Us

Up for a live demo?

See our products in action and ask your questions

Book a Demo

Interested in prices?

Get the official price list or an individual quote

Get a Quote

Always just a call away

+49 89 2000 301 60

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Quantifying the physical intensity of construction workers, a mechanical energy approach

Liulin Kong, Heng Li, Yantao Yu, Hanbin Luo, Martin Skitmore, Antwi-Afari Maxwell Fordjour

Department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China

Download PDF >

DOI Link >

Keywords

Construction activity, Mechanical energy expenditure, Biomechanical analysis, Human 3D Pose Estimation

Abstract

Construction workers typically undertake highly demanding physical tasks involving various types of stresses from awkward postures, using excessive force, highly repetitive actions, and excessive energy expenditure, which increases the likelihood of unsafe actions, productivity loss, and human errors. Biomechanical models have been developed to estimate joint loadings, which can help avoid strenuous physical exertion, potentially enhancing construction workforce productivity, safety, and well-being. However, the models used are mainly in 2D, or to predict static strength ignored their velocity and acceleration or using marker-based method for dynamic motion data collection. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel framework for investigating the mechanical energy expenditure (MEE) of workers using a 3D biomechanical model based on computer vision-based techniques. Human 3D Pose Estimation algorithm based on 2D videos is applied to approximate the coordinates of human joints for working postures, and smart insoles are used to collect foot pressures and plantar accelerations, as input data for the biomechanical analyses. The results show a detailed MEE rate for the whole body, at which joints the maximum and minimum values were obtained to avoid excessive physical exertion. The proposed method can approximate the total daily MEE of construction tasks by summing the assumed cost of individual tasks (such as walking, lifting, and stooping), providing suggestions for the design of a daily workload that workers can sustain without developing cumulative fatigue.

Moticon's Summary

The study addresses the physical demands on construction workers, who often suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to excessive force and repetitive actions. To mitigate these risks, the paper proposes a novel, non-invasive, and cost-effective method for estimating the mechanical energy expenditure (MEE) of workers using 3D human pose estimation and biomechanical modeling. The approach utilizes vision-based techniques to track joint movements and Moticon sensor insoles to measure external forces. Inverse dynamics and kinematics are applied to calculate joint forces and moments, enabling the estimation of MEE during various construction tasks. Experimental results show significant variations in joint forces and moments across different activities, highlighting the lumbar spine as particularly vulnerable during stooping tasks. The findings provide valuable insights into managing workload and preventing WMSDs, emphasizing the importance of considering dynamic postures and movements in ergonomic assessments.

Book a free online demo or use the contact form to get in touch

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates

Overview

Tests

Sensor Insoles

Accessories

with OpenGo

Overview

App

Services

Sensor Insoles

Software

Accessories

with ReGo

Need help?

For technical questions about Moticon products

Want to say hello?

Drop us a message for general questions or inquiries

Up for a live demo?

See our products in action and ask your questions

Interested in prices?

Get the official price list or an individual quote

Always just a call away

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Quantifying the physical intensity of construction workers, a mechanical energy approach

Liulin Kong, Heng Li, Yantao Yu, Hanbin Luo, Martin Skitmore, Antwi-Afari Maxwell Fordjour

Department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China

Keywords

Construction activity, Mechanical energy expenditure, Biomechanical analysis, Human 3D Pose Estimation

Abstract

Moticon's Summary

Overview

Sensor Insoles

Tests

Accessories

with OpenGo

Overview

Sensor Insoles

App

Software

Services

Accessories

with ReGo

Select your desired system

Have a general inquiry?

The form was sent successfully.

Stay one step ahead!

Select your desired system

Get support

Check our FAQ database for answers to frequently asked questions