Although the construction industry has developed both product and process models, it has yet to refines its models to represent the movements of the human-activated end-tools. The objective of this research is to develop a model of the human skills required in construction operations. To accomplish this research objective, a methodology will be developed for collecting and representing construction activities. The representation will draw on movement representation schemes devised in dance, biomechanics, and ergonomics.
In addition to serving as a cornerstone for a comprehensive construction product-process model, the model of the human skills will promote:
1. An enhanced understanding of the ergonomics of home building construction operations and injury prevention; 2. A classification taxonomy for home building construction operations, the identification of special skills and the identification of activities that require special body dimensions and dexterity; 3. The identification of groups of skills that will form the basis of cross training strategies among trades; 4. The identification of activities that are best suited for automation or prefabrication, and 5. The early identification of "locked-in" site situations where work access is hindered by other construction elements, equipment, or regulatory requirements
