Freeform Construction (2006-06)¶

Mega-Scale Rapid Manufacturing for Construction

10.1016/j.autcon.2006.05.002

Buswell Richard, Soar Rupert, Gibb Alistar, Thorpe Tony
Journal Article - Automation in Construction, Vol. 16, Iss. 2, pp. 224-231

Abstract

The utilisation of automation technology and processes control found in the automotive and aerospace industries is not paralleled in modern day construction. The industry also struggles to improve health and safety issues and still uses traditional methods ofprocurement. These problems are compounded by the diminishing skills in the labour force. Methods of production must change if these issues are to be resolved. Rapid Manufacturing is a family of digitally controlled additive processes that have the potential to impact on construction processes. This paper outlines some of the major issues facing construction technology and gives examples of the use of large scale Digital Fabrication in the industry. The term ‘Freeform Construction’ is defined. Potential applications derived from an industrial workshop are presented and results from a series of preliminary studies indicate the viability of mega-scale Rapid Manufacturing for construction.

¶

2 References

282 Citations

BibTeX

@article{busw_soar_gibb_thor.2007.FC,
  author            = "Richard A. Buswell and Rupert C. Soar and Alistar G.F. Gibb and Tony Thorpe",
  title             = "Freeform Construction: Mega-Scale Rapid Manufacturing for Construction",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.autcon.2006.05.002",
  year              = "2007",
  journal           = "Automation in Construction",
  volume            = "16",
  number            = "2",
  pages             = "224--231",
}

Formatted Citation

IEEE

R. A. Buswell, R. C. Soar, A. G. F. Gibb and T. Thorpe, “Freeform Construction: Mega-Scale Rapid Manufacturing for Construction”, Automation in Construction, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 224–231, 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.autcon.2006.05.002.

CMOS

Buswell, Richard A., Rupert C. Soar, Alistar G.F. Gibb, and Tony Thorpe. “Freeform Construction: Mega-Scale Rapid Manufacturing for Construction”. Automation in Construction 16, no. 2 (2007): 224–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2006.05.002.