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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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This content will become publicly available on September 1, 2026
An Integrated BIM Planning Workflow for 3D Concrete Printing Projects
Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) is poised to address such critical challenges as low productivity in construction while offering design flexibility and material usage optimization. Although prior research focused on integrating digital design and fabrication to generate instructions for three-dimensional (3D) printers, existing approaches fall short of developing a building information modeling (BIM) model with the requisite detail for coordination with other construction activities and a lack of customization for defining the printing sequence. This paper streamlines the automation of the modeling process and generation of BIM parameters to consolidate project planning information within a unified level of development (LOD) 400 BIM model. The proposed workflow introduces an automation tool designed to enhance the LOD in 3DCP BIM elements from a lower LOD to LOD 400, which is suitable for fabrication. This proposed approach contributes to industry practices by providing an automated tailored solution for contractors to customize printing sequences and facilitate seamless coordination between 3D-printed elements and nonprinted components, improving overall project efficiency and precision. The outcomes shed light on project visualization and coordination through a detailed 3DCP BIM model and introduce planning parameters for enabling a printing strategy that can incorporate the contractor’s expertise in contrast to other slicer software.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2128970
- PAR ID:
- 10656038
- Publisher / Repository:
- ASCE
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering
- Volume:
- 39
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 0887-3801
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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