Robotic Application of Foam Concrete onto Bare Wall Elements

Abstract

-In the course of frequently altering energy saving regulations, numerous buildings have to be comprehensively refurbished to meet the rising energy-efficiency standards in order to protect the global environment and to save resources. However, available materials as well as adaptable design concepts for additional energy-saving insulation layers are not yet convincing in terms of their long term recyclability nor variation of shape. Therefore, we investigate the application of foam concrete onto bare walls of existing buildings to gain a façade finish which is highly insulating, easily recyclable and at the same time promises to be individually designable due to the properties of the raw material mixture. To ensure controllable as well as reproducible application and to react to changing working methods in architecture and construction, the research focuses on the automatized application of foam concrete using a robotic setup.We analyzed manual application strategies of foam concrete, considering parameters of handcraft, used tools as well as the reaction on varying material characteristics during application. Based on the analysis results, we present a concept for the robotic application of foam concrete, including suggestions regarding end effectors, robot programming and surface design planning.

Towards Robotic Fabrication in Joining of Steel

“…Others use 3D printing, partly with robots, to produce formwork and reinforcement [16]. The first experiments on the vertical application of mineral substances with robots are carried out at the RWTH [17]. In steel production, additive processes such as deposition welding or coating with robots could also gain in importance, since they enable complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce by subtraction [18].…”