Building information modeling (BIM) technology in construction has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, and integrating robotics is seen as a natural step to improve efficiency. To increase the level of development (LOD) of a BIM model to support a construction robot, parametric modeling can be used to create highly detailed models by supplementing and defining the geometric and physical properties of the construction elements, such as the components’ size, shape, and material parameters, which are used as inputs for designing robotic tasks. Component information and data are stored as extractable parameters within the BIM model, allowing a robot to perform highly precise and repeatable tasks. This study develops a framework for implementing computational parametric modeling for masonry wall systems with Dynamo. This study tested six wall configurations constructed of 8″ × 8″ × 16″ concrete masonry units (CMUs). Dynamo successfully interpreted most wall geometries placing full-sized CMUs into the correct design locations. Errors occurred when placing partial-sized CMUs, typically at wall intersections, revealing a need for future refinement. The study shows the careful planning and considerations needed to implement computational modeling to generate model content for creating robotic tasks.
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Exploring the challenges of implementing parametric modeling to support robotic construction
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a critical data source for constructing new structures depicting the inner workings of the systems and components in detail. However, current modeling practices are based on traditional construction methods, resulting in insufficient details within the BIM model to support robotic construction for many building systems. The model’s level of development (LOD) needs to be increased to facilitate the changes in data requirements. One method that allows for increased LOD is computational modeling; however, many factors can influence the process. Therefore, this study investigates challenges for implementation to increase the LOD for building to enable robotic construction. Dynamo is used as the computational modeling software in conjunction with Autodesk Revit to accomplish this. A process was created to place various components, such as concrete masonry units (CMUs), in their final design location and extract information utilizing these platforms for masonry construction. However, challenges were met during this process, including material naming conventions, tolerance/specification inputs, wall openings/lintels, and component/material libraries. The challenges presented during the implementation of the Dynamo mirror what the literature shows for supporting technological infrastructure BIM and mobile robot construction. To accomplish this research, an extensive literature review was completed, along with documentation of challenges during the development and implementation of the script.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1928626
- PAR ID:
- 10466066
- Editor(s):
- Desjardin, S. and
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Annual meeting Canadian Society of Civil Engineers
- ISSN:
- 0702-2239
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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