Publications / 2018 Proceedings of the 35th ISARC, Berlin, Germany

A Methodology for Analysing Productivity in Automated Modular Construction

Sundararaman Krishnamoorthi and Benny Raphael
Pages 1030-1037 (2018 Proceedings of the 35th ISARC, Berlin, Germany, ISBN 978-3-00-060855-1, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

Automation is generally assumed to improve project productivity. However, not enough research is done in the area of quantitative methods to evaluate productivity improvements through automation in construction. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology for analyzing productivity of any given automation system for construction. A case study of an automation system developed in-house is used for illustration and validation. This system involves automated connections of column modules and coordinated lifting of the column assembly. A laboratory experiment has been done using this system for constructing column structures using modular blocks. The experimental results are compared with their equivalent manual processes. These studies are conducted using EZStrobe simulations which are calibrated using experimental data. Of the various project performance parameters, only time has been included in this study. The results would throw light on the impact of automation on construction activities on-site.

Keywords: Construction Automation, Modular Construction, EZStrobe