Several researchers have worked in the field of implementing robotics technology in concrete building construction, after the first attempt in the 1980s in Japan. Various motivations such as the shrinking labor population, the aging of skilled workers, and the construction safety issues have promoted the development of such technologies. However, the future visionary on how construction robots can transform the concrete building construction sector is still not solid nor well structured. What really needs to be changed? What types of construction activities can be taken by automated robotic technologies, as opposed to manpower or skilled worker? To answer these questions, the systematic review reported in this paper seeks to evaluate and synthesize empirical findings on the use of robotic technologies in concrete building construction. A systematic search of Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, and Engineering Village databases was conducted, and 48,200 documents were targeted. By applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48,149 records were excluded, and the remaining 51 records were assessed for eligibility and included in the qualitative synthesis. The systematic review shows that researchers in the USA played a leading role on robotics in concrete building construction, followed by Germany and Switzerland. The robotics application and techniques have been largely used on-site and targeted low-rise buildings. The robotic technologies that have been popular in literature included 3D printers, and swarm robotics. Most of the papers have proposed a limited novel structural design, without introducing innovative construction material. Even though the direct and indirect construction activities related to formwork, steel reinforcement, and concreting can be replaced and thus eliminated, the horizontal RC elements still cannot be built on-site without supports. Moreover, rapid prototyping found to be the best robotic design for the purpose of building construction through utilizing manipulator robots.
There are increasing concerns over building code/regulation compliance and quality assurance issues in adopting off-site construction in the construction industry to meet client expectations and regulatory requirements. Performance-based building regulations often allow for space for innovation, but not a 'safe space' for those who intend to introduce new construction techniques not prescribed in building regulations. Through a series of surveys conducted in Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, China, Singapore and Australia, this paper identifies approaches and practices used in these countries that overcome compliance challenges when adopting off-site construction. The findings show that the manufacturer's self-certification approach appears predominant for meeting code of compliance requirements, and a fit-for-purpose regulatory compliance system also warrants fair allocation of risks and liabilities to anyone involved in the supply chain. However, a healthy and functional regulatory system for off-site compliance requires a third-party certification for products/factories and traceability. It is hoped that the lessons learned can help policymakers introduce changes to product standards and other legislation to improve the compliance and performance of off 1 28 site construction. This research calls for a chain of custody approach to address quality concerns 29 surrounding adopting prefabrication technology in countries that are increasingly exploring 30 greater use of manufacturing in construction.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.