Automation of Construction Operations through Modular and Offsite Technologies

拟议的探索基金通过以制造为中心的方法支持建筑施工过程的工业化，通过利用3D虚拟建模协调跨学科知识。长期目标是推进建筑自动化科学，从而减少预制建筑的工程、制造和现场安装之间的差距。基于建筑信息模型（BIM）的3D建模预计将是信息密集型的，能够通过数学模型评估项目信息，以最大限度地减少材料和工艺浪费，利用精益思维提高效率，降低成本，缩短施工周期时间，提高安全性，改善环境绩效。为了实现这一长期目标，本研究将专注于以制造为中心的BIM模型的开发，以支持工厂生产效率和生产控制。在本研究中，3D建模将转化为智能参数化系统，从而支持基于制造原理的项目设计方法。研究内容包括：(1)构建以制造业为中心的建筑信息模型；(2)基于3D模型的工厂生产计划，提高生产率和灵活性；(3)开发基于3D模型的数据收集和生产控制系统，该系统包括(a)调度模块，(b)使用射频识别（RFID）的实时生产控制，以及(c)基于仿真的性能评估。本研究预计将带来以下好处：创新BIM应用；开发用于制造设计和绘图的概念验证集成计算机工具；开发组合算法以减少材料浪费；制定改进的工作方法和生产力标准；以及应用模拟和使用RFID技术来改进建筑制造过程。这项研究也有望获得相当大的国际兴趣，并提高加拿大作为工业化建筑卓越中心的形象。研究结果将在主要国际期刊和国际会议上发表。总的来说，可以想象，通过向建筑工程师提供智能信息库，并在3D CAD模型中集成精益思维和模拟，可以显著改善施工过程和生产率。

The proposed Discovery Grant supports industrialization of the building construction process through a manufacturing-centric approach, coordinating cross-disciplinary knowledge through the utilization of 3D virtual modelling. The long-term objective is to advance the science of construction automation and thereby reduce the gaps between engineering, manufacturing, and on-site installation of prefabricated buildings. The building information modelling (BIM)-based 3D modelling is expected to be information-intensive, enabling evaluation of project information through mathematical models in order to minimize material and process wastes, leveraging lean thinking to improve efficiency, reduce cost, reduce construction cycle time, increase safety, and improve environmental performance. To achieve this long-term goal, this research will focus on the development of manufacturing-centric BIM models, in order to support factory production efficiency and production control. In this research, 3D modelling will be transformed into an intelligent parametric system, thereby supporting an approach to project design rooted in manufacturing principles. The proposed research involves: (1) development of manufacturing-centric building information modelling; (2) 3D model-based factory production planning to increase productivity and flexibility; and (3) development of a 3D model-based data collection and production control system comprising (a) a scheduling module, (b) real-time production control using radio frequency identification (RFID), and (c) Simulation-based performance evaluation. This proposed research can be expected to bring the following benefits: innovative BIM applications; development of proof-of-concept integrated computer tools for design and drafting for manufacturing; development of combinatorial algorithms to minimize material waste; development of improved work methods and productivity standards; and applications of simulation and the use of RFID technology to improve construction manufacturing processes. This research can also be expected to garner considerable international interest and boost the profile of Canada as a centre of excellence for industrialized construction. The research results will be disseminated in leading international journals and at international conferences. In general, it is conceivable that significant improvement in the construction process and in productivity can be achieved by providing construction engineers with an intelligent repository of information, integrated with Lean thinking and simulation within the 3D CAD model.