BUILDING MECHANIZATION: ROBOTICS, 3D PRINTING AND AUTOMATED CONTROL OF CONSTRUCTION SITE STAGES

Abstract

The different phases of building construction can be broken down into four stages: design and planning, site preparation, construction, and post-construction. Design and planning cover the feasibility study, project development, and design with all building details (plans, technical specifications). Site preparation can be handled through earthworks, foundation work, and the installation of the basic infrastructure essential for construction. Construction is the phase in which the project is actually carried out. It covers the layout of the load-bearing structure, walls, and roofing, as well as the interior and exterior fitting-out of the building. Post-construction corresponds to the handover phase to the project owner once construction is complete, but also to the operation and maintenance phase. Concrete printing makes it possible to shape building elements (walls, slabs, etc.) while enabling complex shapes to be produced with high precision. Reinforcement (the set of steel bars embedded in concrete) plays an important role in the strength of concrete and contributes to its durability. Applying a layer of interior and exterior mortar makes it possible to cover the structure with a render. This cement render contributes to insulation, and sanding it produces a smooth surface before the paint finish. Painting drones are equipped with high-precision spraying systems and operate on the basis of artificial intelligence, connectivity, sensors, and embedded systems. This allows them to provide paint coverage over a much larger surface in record time compared with manual work.