Education

Research Description

Dr. Han's research focuses on creating and validating new computer vision and machine learning analytics that leverage emerging and often already existing visual data (images, videos, and point cloud data) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for effective construction project controls, enhancing site-to-office and office-to-site communications, safety and hazard recognition, and safety training and monitoring. He is particularly interested in new modalities of information and user interaction, including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Augmented Virtuality. Other areas of interest include robotics for automating management of civil infrastructure systems (subtopics to include autonomous navigation for data collection and analytics) and project-based learning for STEM education.

Publications

An Integrated UGV-UAV System for Construction Site Data Collection

, (2020). Automation in Construction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.103068

Developing hazard recognition skill among the next-generation of construction professionals

Albert, A., Jeelani, I., & Han, K. (2020), CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2020.1797133

Development of virtual reality and stereo-panoramic environments for construction safety training

Jeelani, I., Han, K., & Albert, A. (2020), Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2019-0391

Smart Infrastructure: A Vision for the Role of the Civil Engineering Profession in Smart Cities

Berglund, E. Z., Monroe, J. G., Ahmed, I., Noghabaei, M., Do, J., Pesantez, J. E., … Levis, J. (2020), Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 26(2), 03120001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000549

Trend Analysis on Adoption of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry

Noghabaei, M., Heydarian, A., Balali, V., & Han, K. (2020), Data, 5(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/data5010026

A Framework of Human-Motion Based Structural Dynamics Simulation Using Mobile Devices

Yoon, H., Han, K., & Ham, Y. (2019), Sensors. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19153258

Are Visual Search Patterns Predictive of Hazard Recognition Performance? Empirical Investigation Using Eye-Tracking Technology

Jeelani, I., Albert, A., Han, K., & Azevedo, R. (2019), Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 145(1), 04018115. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001589

LNSNet: Lightweight Navigable Space Segmentation for Autonomous Robots on Construction Sites

Asadi, K., Chen, P., Han, K., Wu, T., & Lobaton, E. (2019), Data. https://doi.org/10.3390/data4010040

Real-Time Hazard Proximity Detection—Localization of Workers Using Visual Data

, (2019). Computing in Civil Engineering 2019. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784482438.036

Real-Time Image Localization and Registration with BIM Using Perspective Alignment for Indoor Monitoring of Construction

Asadi, K., Ramshankar, H., Noghabaei, M., & Han, K. (2019), Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 33(5), 04019031. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000847

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Collaborative Research: Improving Undergraduate Education in Civil & Building Engineering through Student-centric Cyber-Physical Systems: Bringing Real-world Problems to Classrooms

National Science Foundation (NSF)(10/01/20 - 9/30/23)

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Collaborative Research: Improving Undergraduate Education in Civil & Building Engineering through Student-centric Cyber-Physical Systems: Bringing Real-world Problems to Classrooms

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 10/01/20

End Date: 9/30/23

Abstract

Due to the nature of Civil Engineering problems, students have had limited hands-on experiences in classrooms (e.g., learning concepts of structural behaviors of a bridge on a piece of paper if not on a computer screen). The proposed work aims to bring real-world problems in Civil Engineering into classrooms. The main goal of this proposal is to validate the proposed interactive learning tools that promote physical interaction among students and instructors can improve students’ understanding of Civil Engineering concepts. Moreover, there are no traditional courses in Civil Engineering that introduces emerging technologies to undergraduate students and students simply have limited chances to learn about them, according to the research team’s observation at their three institutions – North Carolina State University (NCSU) and Texas A&M. Increasing engagement and interaction through emerging technologies in classes has a significant potential to address such educational challenges and prepare our future Civil Engineers for the emerging and non-traditional Civil Engineering career opportunities, in addition to the traditional opportunities. The proposed work is driven by the hypotheses that 1) undergraduate students will better understand Civil Engineering concepts through physical interactions that provide engaged student learning, and 2) they will be better prepared for leveraging advanced technologies that will shape their field of Civil Engineering in their near future. The research team foresees the potential for increasing awareness and interest in Civil Engineering among freshman engineering students before declaring their majors, which will help them make informed career decisions. The proposed work focuses on developing and evaluating two Student-centric Cyber-Physical Systems (SCPS) research prototypes and implementing them in one Engineering and four Civil Engineering undergraduate courses at various levels – freshmen to senior. Two Civil Engineering concepts of structural engineering and building science will be taught in these five undergraduate courses.

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Safety Management in Complex Environments

Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America(7/12/19 - 12/31/20)

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Safety Management in Complex Environments

Sponsor: Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America

Start Date: 7/12/19

End Date: 12/31/20

Abstract

The effort will focus on developing an educational case study that focuses on construction safety challenges. The case study will be designed for use by university professors in construction programs and contractors for professional training and educational purposes.

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Applying Small UAS to Produce Survey Grade Geospatial Products for DOT Preconstruction & Construction Activities

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/19 - 7/31/21)

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Applying Small UAS to Produce Survey Grade Geospatial Products for DOT Preconstruction & Construction Activities

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/19

End Date: 7/31/21

Abstract

Recent advances in small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) and sensing technologies have enabled relatively low cost and effective surveying methods for preconstruction, construction, and slope sites. However, the commercial software that accompanies these technologies produces inconsistent and unreliable survey results and there are no guidelines for ensuring the quality of the data. Without proper guidelines and specifications, repeated surveying at a designated area over time (e.g., construction site with periodic data collection) is not ideal.

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BIM for VTR: Holistic Approach to Design and Construction

US Dept. of Energy (DOE)(9/17/18 - 9/30/21)

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BIM for VTR: Holistic Approach to Design and Construction

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE)

Start Date: 9/17/18

End Date: 9/30/21

Abstract

Huge escalations in overnight construction costs and schedule delays have rendered nuclear energy commercially unattractive. Much of the research and development has focused on developing new reactor designs with accident tolerant fuels and passive safety systems intended to reduce operating and lifecycle costs. There has been little to no investment in research on nuclear construction management. Moreover, Hopf [1] argues that the primary reasons for construction cost escalation and schedule delays are related to: (i) extremely stringent nuclear safety and quality assurance standards, (ii) inexperience in managing and staffing to nuclear QA standards, (iii) excessive paperwork, and (iv) supply chain delays due to rework. To ensure the success of implementation and deployment of a new reactor (i.e., Versatile Test Reactor (VTR)), design, construction, and testing processes should be integrated. Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) using Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been proven to be a solution that bridges gap between design and construction [cite]. Furthermore, it has been used as a project control tool [cite]. BIM as a central hub of digital data exchange can bring different experts (i.e., engineers with different disciplines and contractors who build and manage construction projects) virtually together. All stakeholders have a shared resources of knowledge to help identify and minimize risk during design, construction, and operation and maintenance phases [cite]. This proposal proposes to investigate and help INL better understand the capabilities of BIM that can support the integration of design, construction, and testing of the VTR. Furthermore, the research team will pick one of the analysis (i.e., pipe stress) and develop a software/plug-in that produces 2D/3D models that can be directed imported by the analysis tool.

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