On the development of an integrated system for the automation of on-site reinforced concrete construction

The study reported in this thesis investigates the feasibility of automating the on-site construction of reinforced concrete residential buildings. The different construction tasks are identified, analyzed and modified with a view towards potential for automation. It has been considered difficult to use robotics in construction work under the present conditions. Therefore, the development of a drastically reformed construction system was required. Emphasis is placed on developing modular forms that contribute and support the introduction of automation. The majority of work in the field of construction robotics has focused on the adaptation of existing industrial robots to automate traditional construction processes. This thesis introduces a new approach, that of construction based on a modular building system specially suited to a range of on-site modular robots. A Computer-Integrated Construction (CIC) system, similar to CIM, is developed that includes CIC data-base, construction design system, construction production/process planning system, and robotics execution system. This approach is intended to minimize as much on-site based work as possible as a counter measure against the increasing shortage of skilled operatives and to reduce cost of construction production.