An intelligent framework for computer-aided automation and optimization of Light-Frame Building manufacturing process

Abstract

The growth of panelized construction in North America’s building construction sector has allowed for the emergence of a viable alternative to traditional construction methods. Panelized construction has proven to be a promising method due to its use of off-site manufacturing technology, which provides a higher quality product with reduced site disruptions and a shorter construction cycle. Recent demand for sustainable, green, and energy-efficient construction has allowed for the implementation of innovative processes, with an aim to optimize pre-existing manufacturing techniques. However, among the existing manufacturing processes in panelized construction, there remains avoidable waste resulting from machine cutting operation, and thus a demand for novel processes to increase the productivity of light-frame panel assembly. This research, focusing on the construction of wood and light-gauge steel-framed panels, presents a methodology that aims to improve the utilization of raw stock during the automatic cutting of wood floor components, and presents a framework for transferring shop drawing information to machine-executable commands for automated production of wall and floor frames. By reducing cutting waste through dynamic reallocation of unused material, generating collision-free tool trajectories by intelligently integrating collision detection and avoidance systems, and implementing readability of such information for wall-framing machinery, the wall and floor framing processes in prefabrication construction can be tailored for increased productivity and reduced waste, respectively. Additionally, by applying throughput time reduction methodology, such information can further guide design improvements in existing wall-framing machinery. This thesis also presents real-world case studies to validate the effectiveness and viability of the research within the domain of prefabricated construction.