Automated Block-Laying Sequence for Reinforced Formwork Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated construction methods using robotic block laying machines face challenges in efficiently constructing buildings, particularly in managing block placement sequences to maintain line of sight for tracking systems and ensuring proper reinforcement integration within the building structure.
Innovation Solution
The method involves laying blocks in a sequence that accounts for line of sight constraints and integrates reinforcing structures into hollow formwork columns, which are then filled with concrete, using a robotic block laying machine that follows a data-defined block sequence to construct walls and columns simultaneously, with the blocks acting as permanent formwork.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blocks are laid in a traditional course-by-course manner, then construction simplicity is maintained, but construction productivity is reduced due to repeated machine repositioning and tracking system re-establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The block placement sequence is pre-planned and optimized before construction begins. The system determines an optimal sequence that maintains continuous tracking system line-of-sight and minimizes machine repositioning, allowing the robotic block laying machine to construct multiple courses without stopping the tracking system, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through advance planning
2Measurement precision
If the tracking system maintains continuous line of sight, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to constraints on block placement sequencing
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal block placement sequence is determined in advance by analyzing the building geometry and tracking system position. This pre-planning ensures that the sequence maintains continuous line-of-sight for the tracking system throughout construction, preserving measurement precision while managing the complexity through computational optimization before construction begins
3Reliability
If traditional formwork is used for concrete columns, then structural reliability is improved, but loss of substance increases due to formwork material consumption and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The blocks serve dual functions: as structural building elements forming walls and as permanent formwork for concrete columns. By designing blocks with hollow cavities that can contain concrete, the system eliminates the need for separate temporary formwork materials, reducing substance loss while maintaining structural reliability of the columns
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using temporary formwork that must be removed and discarded, the block cavities serve as permanent formwork that remains in the structure. The blocks are not discarded but recovered as functional structural elements, eliminating formwork material waste while ensuring structural reliability through the permanent integration of blocks and concrete
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to building methods for use in automated construction including a method for use in construction of a building, the method including: (a) laying a plurality of courses of blocks onto a foundation to define: i) walls of a first storey of the building; and, ii) a plurality of hollow formwork columns; (b) inserting reinforcing structure into the hollow formwork columns; and (c) pouring concrete into the hollow formwork columns around the reinforcing structure so as to form concrete columns for supporting a slab of a second storey, wherein the blocks forming the plurality of hollow formwork columns remain part of the building structure as permanent formwork.