Automated Construction Site Intrusion Deterrence Through 2D LiDAR and Passive Infrared Sensing

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Caleb M. Powell, Eric M. Wetzel and Kenneth Sands

Abstract

Construction sites require effective security monitoring during non-operational hours to prevent theft, vandalism, and safety concerns. However, construction site security is often overlooked and limited to fencing and signage systems. Staffed security and multi-camera setups are vulnerable to human-error and often require continual adjustment over the life of a project, and many commercially available autonomous systems remain financially expensive. This research aims to develop and evaluate a low-cost, autonomous, moveable monitoring system that integrates 2D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors to detect motion, identify unauthorized activity, and deter intrusions on construction sites. Experimental testing evaluated detection reliability, false alarm rates, and environmental performance in indoor and outdoor settings. Results showed that LiDAR was able to accurately detect motion with ranges exceeding 30 feet and demonstrated reliability in varying environmental conditions. PIR sensors did not demonstrate reliable motion detection, and additional research is needed to improve their performance in construction settings. These results demonstrate that combining LiDAR and PIR sensing offers a practical basis for affordable, autonomous construction site security. Future work will address PIR calibration, environmental hardening, and algorithm parameter tuning.

Keyphrases: automation, construction jobsite, lidar, pir, security

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 733-742.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/qKsJ
	https://doi.org/10.29007/thlx

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Automated_Construction_Site_Intrusion,
  author    = {Caleb M. Powell and Eric M. Wetzel and Kenneth Sands},
  title     = {Automated Construction Site Intrusion Deterrence Through 2D LiDAR and Passive Infrared Sensing},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/qKsJ},
  doi       = {10.29007/thlx},
  pages     = {733-742},
  year      = {2026}}

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