Abraham Warszawski

A project model for an automated building system: design and planning phases

Abstract The purpose of an automated building system (ABS) is to automatically generate maximum information and the related documents for the preliminary design, detailed design and construction planning of a building project. The ABS under development, described in this paper, includes features such as: representation of project information by a tri-hierarchical project model, step-by-step progress through predefined design and construction planning stages, use of knowledge-based modules, linkage to various data bases, and implementation of intelligent parametric ‘templates’ of building layouts and work assemblies. The main benefits of the system are the high quality of generated information, and the considerable saving of human input needed for this purpose. The project model for the system is described in the paper and various knowledge modules are defined with respect to their input and output. Interface screens and drawings from a prototypical testing of the system are also presented.

Robots in the construction industry

SUMMARY Robots have a considerable potential of application on the building site; they can adapt to varying tasks, move and interact with environment. The building process may be restructured in such way that a majority of tasks would be performed by 4 configurations of robots: an assembling robot for handling of large structure components, a general purpose robot for interior finishing works, an exterior wall, and a floor finishing robot for finishing of large vertical and horizontal surfaces, respectively. A preliminary feasibility study reveals that such robots may be justified economically, especially under conditions which reduce human productivity or require high quality of work.

Production planning in prefabrication plant

Abstract The production planning process in prefabrication plant involves the following decisions: what elements should be produced, on which facilities and when. The planning should be performed in such a manner that the costs dependent on these decisions will be at a minimum. A distinction is made here between short and long production series. The first involves specific orders, and the other a continuous demand for standard elements. The paper is arranged in the following fashion. Firstly, some general principles of production planning are discussed with reference to a series of similar elements produced on a single mould. This case is later expanded to production of different types of elements in large series, produced on one or several moulds. Finally, the most general case, that of all types of series, long and short, produced on a system of several moulds, is explored. The main features of an information system within which the production planning takes place are also presented.

Forecasting Methodology Of National Demand For Construction Labour

The paper presents a systematic methodology for forecasting the demand for construction labour in various skills, within a national economy. Major factors, which determine the future needs for dwel...

The use of computer graphics as a scheduling tool

Abstract The paper describes a potential application of computer graphics to construction scheduling. A computer program receives, as its input, a geometrical representation of the building to be constructed, and a schedule for the erection of its main components. Subsequently, the actual construction progress is also recorded. The outputs of the program include a graphical representation of the total schedule, of the construction status at any given date, and of the difference between the scheduled and the actual performance. Other possible features of the program are also discussed.

Quality circles in temporary organizations: lessons from construction projects

Abstract The common belief that temporary organizations such as construction projects are inappropriate for the participative, people-building approach of quality circles seems to have blocked penetration of the latter into the construction industry. This paper presents some counterintuitive arguments claiming that the special characteristics of such project organizations actually create even better opportunities for QCs than stable worksettings. Findings of field experiments with QCs at construction sites are presented and analysed in both tangible and non-tangible terms, substantiating these arguments. The discussion highlights differences between regular QC programmes and those at temporary settings.

Economic implications of robotics in building

Abstract Industrial robots can be used for performance of various building construction activities such as assembling of components and various interior and exterior finishing activities, given some further development in their manipulation, sensing and locomotion capacities. The economic feasibility of construction robots depends on costs and benefits associated with their application. The costs include general development, direct investment, set up, maintenance and operation. They also include the necessary adaptations of work process to robots employment. The benefits include saving of labor replaced by robots, higher quality of product and eliminating or reducing of human involvement in hazardous and strainful building tasks, and work under harsh ambient conditions. A preliminary feasibility study reveals that at sufficient employment level and appropriate restructuring of working environment, robots could be feasibly employed in performance of many building construction tasks.

Expert systems for crane selection

An expert system seems to be particularly attractive as a decision tool in the unruly construction environment. Application of expert systems, to various facets of construction planning, has been described in various publications. The paper examines two expert systems applied to the crane selection and location problem, evaluates them and draws some conclusions with respect to the general applicability of expert systems to construction planning.

Automated design of prefabricated building

Abstract The paper describes a knowledge-based system for the detailed design of prefabricated building. The system employs a comprehensive approach which integrates different design aspects, architectural, structural and technological. The system receives, as an input, a preliminary architectural design of the building to be erected, adjusts it to a modular grid, indicates the location of structured supports, breaks down the floors and walls into elements to be prefabricated and finally produces detailed drawings of the elements and their cost estimate. The premise of the system, its operation and the structure of its knowledge are described.

Long range planning of prefabrication industry in a national economy (summary)

Abstract The objective of long range planning of the precast industry in a national economy is to determine the optimal location and capacity of prefabrication plants in the various stages of the planning horizon. The planning process described here consisted of several steps. First, the demand for precast elements in the planning horizon and its geographical dispersion were established. Then the cost of operation of new plants of various capacities was estimated. Later, a survey of existing plants was performed and their cost at present and increased production capacity levels was evaluated. The transportation cost of precast elements between existing and prospective plant locations and the various demand areas were estimated. Finally, the optimal location and capacity of required plants—both existing and new—were determined for the various stages of the planning horizon, with the aid of a mathematical model. The sensitivity of the solution to constraints imposed on the operation and capacity of various existing plants was also examined.