Date of Award

6-2022

Degree Name

MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department/Program

Civil and Environmental Engineering

College

College of Engineering

Advisor

Hani S. Alzraiee

Advisor Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor College

College of Engineering

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most unsafe industries for workers in the United States. Advancements in wearable technology have been proven to create a safer construction environment. Despite the availability of these devices, use within the construction industry remains low. The objective of this research is to identify and analyze the causes behind the reluctance of the construction industry to implement two specific wearable safety devices, a biometric sensor, and a location tracking system. Device acceptance was analyzed from the perspective of the user (construction field labor) and company decision makers (construction managers). A modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model was developed specific to barriers commonly found within technology adoption in the construction industry including: perceived performance expectancy, perceived effort expectancy, openness to data utilization, social influence, data security, and facilitating conditions. A structured questionnaire was designed to test for association between the mentioned constructs and either behavioral intention or actual use. The questionnaire went through an expert review process, and a pilot study was conducted prior to being distributed to industry. Once all data was received Pearson chi-squared analysis was used to test for association between the constructs. A minority (46%) of labor respondents would not agree to voluntarily use the biometric wearable sensing device. Constructs associated with this finding included perceived performance expectancy, perceived effort expectancy, and social influence. A majority (59%) of labor respondents would not agree to voluntarily use the location tracking wearable sensing device. Constructs associated with this finding included perceived performance expectancy, social influence, and data security. A majority (56%) of management respondents would not implement the biometric wearable sensing device. Constructs found to be associated with this finding included perceived performance expectancy, openness to data utilization, and social influence of the client. A supermajority (68%) of management respondents would not implement the location tracking wearable sensing device. Constructs found to be associated with this finding include perceived performance expectancy, perceived effort expectancy, openness to data utilization, social influence, and data security. This study will aid in the successful implementation of wearable sensing devices within the construction industry. Findings from this study can be used to aid those hoping to implement wearable sensing devices by identifying causes of wearable sensing device rejection. The results of this study can be used by both project managers and health and safety professionals to aid in device acceptance by field labor, and by those whose goal is to increase device use among construction firms.

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