Developing a Work Package Approach for Construction Robotics

Ziyi Wang, Muhammad Amir Hamza Khan, Yuqing Hu, Robert Leicht

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The development of robotics in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has emerged in recent years in response to technology advances and industry challenges such as workforce shortages. Construction robotics has the potential to increase construction productivity and accuracy as well as reduce accidents and costs. However, their introduction to construction sites creates new challenges. Previous studies have shown that robots can cause major changes in construction workflow, scope, and methods. Construction robotics introduces key changes to the work process and the sequence of construction tasks. The traditional planning approach for work break down structure and scheduling assigns resources for construction activities based on human labor and craft methods. Despite this, the capabilities of robotics relative to construction resource planning, sequencing, and work scope have not been fully studied. To address this, the implementation of robotics in construction projects needs a new approach to organizing work packages (WP). With the inclusion of robotics as a resource, planning parameters such as methods and sequence will change both the scope and accordingly the work packaging for construction. This paper aims to systematically identify the potential impacts of robots on construction processes, as well as how those changes influences work packaging. The methodology is based on data integration and content analysis from literature review and collected interviews with project participants about real-world construction projects. The paper discusses how construction robots impact the work package approach and categorizes the affected factors. These factors include the work area, sequence and priority of construction activities, safety management, allocation of risk responsibility for tasks, interaction with other trades, and required materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Annual Conference 2023, Construction Track
EditorsSerge Desjardins, Gérard J. Poitras, Mazdak Nik-Bakht
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages365-377
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9783031615023
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventCanadian Society of Civil Engineering Annual Conference, CSCE 2023 - Moncton, Canada
Duration: May 24 2023May 27 2023

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume499 LNCE
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

ConferenceCanadian Society of Civil Engineering Annual Conference, CSCE 2023
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMoncton
Period5/24/235/27/23

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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