ABSTRACT
This research presents a trajectory planning approach for robotic assembly of lightweight structures for COVID-19 healthcare facilities. The prefabricated building components of COVID-19 healthcare facilities have nonnegligible volume, where the crux of the scientific question lies in how to incorporate geometry-based collision checks in trajectory planning. This research developed an algorithm that refines the RRT* (Rapidly-exploring Random Tree-Star) algorithm to enable the detour of a planned trajectory based on the geometry of prefabricated components to prevent collisions. Testing of the approach reveals that it has satisfactory collision-avoiding and trajectory-smoothing performance, and is time- and labour-saving compared with the traditional human method. The satisfactory results highlight the practical implication of this research, where robots can replace human labour and contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 spread on construction sites. The subsequent research will investigate the use of a collaborative robot to screw bolt connections after the components are assembled at locations.
ABSTRACT
Purpose>The aim of this paper is to synthesize knowledge related to performance evaluation of automated construction processes during the planning and execution phases through a theme-based literature classification. The primary research question that is addressed is “How to quantify the performance improvement in automated construction processes?”Design/methodology/approach>A systematic literature review of papers on automated construction was conducted involving three stages-planning, conducting and reporting. In the planning stage, the purpose of the review is established through key research questions. Then, a four-step process is employed consisting of identification, screening, shortlisting and inclusion of papers. For reporting, observations were critically analysed and categorized according to themes.Findings>The primary conclusion from this study is that the effectiveness of construction processes can only be benchmarked using realistic simulations. Simulations help to pinpoint the root causes of success or failure of projects that are either already completed or under execution. In automated construction, there are many complex interactions between humans and machines;therefore, detailed simulation models are needed for accurate predictions. One key requirement for simulation is the calibration of the models using real data from construction sites.Research limitations/implications>This study is based on a review of 169 papers from a database of peer-reviewed journals, within a time span of 50 years.Originality/value>Gap in research in the area of performance evaluation of automated construction is brought out. The importance of simulation models calibrated with on-site data within a methodology for performance evaluation is highlighted.
ABSTRACT
Pandemics, such as Covid-19 virus spread fast with significant impact on people and the economy. The construction industry with productivity stagnation of over two decades is not excluded from this significant impact or restrictions that determine the present way of life. These restrictions (e.g., government shutdowns, social distancing, and face mask requirement) impede several construction processes resulting in scheduling restrictions, increased work-related hazards, and developing challenges helping to sabotage existing labor force shortage issues. Consequently, researchers and practitioners have focused on low-risk activities, staggered schedules, etc. However, there is a need to appraise the impact of Covid-19 on construction labor force while making a case for construction automation. In this study, the authors utilized a state of practice review of Covid-19-related developments (i.e., disruptions, standards, and regulatory practices) within construction, along with qualitative and quantitative approach among twelve professionals. The study identified productivity, safety, and quality concerns affecting the construction workforce before proposing a workflow for increased automation within the industry to deal with the present and future pandemics. The findings demonstrate the need and emphasize the importance of embracing automation for construction processes in phases that can improve labor force issues and performance metrics to change the path for lingering concerns in construction. © 2022 ASCE.