Dynamic hazard zone modeling for proximity detection in work zones

Ayenew Yihune Demeke, Youjin Jang, Inbae Jeong

Published version (DOI: 10.1016/j.autcon.2026.107132) Download PDF

PDF: author accepted manuscript. © 2026. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). The published version is available via the DOI above.

Summary

A dynamic, probabilistic hazard zone model for construction equipment that continuously adjusts its size and orientation from real-time equipment kinematic data, representing risk as a bivariate generalized Gaussian probability field with multi-level hazard boundaries. In simulation and field experiments, it significantly reduced false positives compared with a conventional static circular hazard zone while maintaining stable detection across varying equipment speeds.

Abstract

Construction work zones are among the most hazardous environments due to the close interaction between workers and moving equipment. Existing proximity detection systems often rely on static geometric hazard zones that fail to adapt to real-time equipment dynamics, leading to false alarms or missed detections. This paper presents a dynamic probabilistic hazard zone model that continuously adjusts its size and orientation based on real-time kinematic data from sensors mounted on construction equipment. The model represents risk as a continuous spatial probability field using a bivariate generalized Gaussian distribution, enabling adaptive and multi-level hazard boundaries. Simulation and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the model's performance against a conventional static circular hazard zone. Results show that the proposed model significantly reduces false positives while maintaining stable detection across varying speeds. These findings suggest that the dynamic hazard zone model has the potential to improve safety management across diverse construction work zone environments, provided that broader validation across additional equipment types and field conditions is undertaken.

Keywords: Dynamic hazard zoning, Proximity detection, Construction zone, Worker safety

How to cite

Demeke, A. Y., Jang, Y., & Jeong, I. (2026). Dynamic hazard zone modeling for proximity detection in work zones. Automation in Construction, 190, 107132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2026.107132

BibTeX

@article{demeke2026dynamic,
  title   = {Dynamic hazard zone modeling for proximity detection in work zones},
  author  = {Demeke, Ayenew Yihune and Jang, Youjin and Jeong, Inbae},
  journal = {Automation in Construction},
  volume  = {190},
  pages   = {107132},
  year    = {2026},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  doi     = {10.1016/j.autcon.2026.107132}
}