NIST Research toward Construction Site Integration and Automation
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 12, Issue 2
Abstract
Current uses of computers in construction include design, planning, scheduling, and cost estimating. Much more could be achieved on a fully computer-integrated construction site. This paper describes initial work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology toward construction site integration and automation, beginning with a simple steel-erection procedure using an instrumented crane. CAD-generated geometry sets are transformed into a library of 3D construction site objects. These objects are then loaded into an augmented simulation system that tracks both equipment and resources based on real-time data from the construction site. With some future enhancements, the end result will be a world model of the site, in which as-built conditions can be assessed, current construction processes can be viewed as they occur, planned sequences of processes can be tested, and object information can be retrieved on demand. A project can be viewed and managed remotely using this tool. Remotely controlled construction in hazardous environments is a natural extension of this environment. The National Construction Automation Testbed (NCAT) is currently being used in various research projects with the intentions of making such possibilities a reality. A major effort in the NCAT is the development and testing of the metrology, communication, and simulation protocols required.
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References
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Received: Jan 5, 1999
Published online: Apr 1, 1999
Published in print: Apr 1999
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