Automation : Derived from ancient Greek =
meaning self dictated
It is the use of control systems such as computers
to control machineryand processes
Reduces the need for human intervention.
Mechanizationprovides human operators with
machinery to assist them with the physical
requirements of work, automationgreatly reduces
the need for human sensoryand mental
requirements as well. Processes and systems can
also be automated.
An increasingly important role in the global
economyand in daily experience.
Engineers strive to combine automated devices
with mathematical and organizational tools to
create complex systems for a rapidly expanding
range of applications and human activities.
HELPS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF WORK
REDUCES THE TIME REQUIRED FOR
CONSTRUCTION
HEAVY WORK CAN BE COMPLETED
SATISFACTORILY WITHIN THE STIPULATED TIME
THE POSSIBILITY OF HUMAN ERROR IS
REDUCED
SECURITY OF DATA
Unemployment at the cost of modernization.
Leads to brain-drain from the country.
Requires a high capital cost for setting up and maintenance
Skilled and expert handlers or workers are required due to
the need of high technical knowledge to operate the
machines.
Untrained workers cannot be employed which increases
the initial cost of project.
PRECAST BLOCKS
The cement concrete blocks which are cast in a
rectangular shape mould ,either hollow or solid,
on site or in factory, are called as precast
blocks.
They are mostly used for:
Girders for bridges, bridge piers (Balgandharv
bridge, Harris bridge Pune)
Beams for large spans (Nehru memorial
hall,Pune)
Electric poles
Fabrication of R.C.C pipes, concrete piles
ADVANTAGES OF USING PRE CAST
BLOCKS
Hollow blocks are light in weight –used for
construction of partition wall
Can be used anywhere on the slab or the floor
Strong
Durable
Posses high compressive strength
Less material required so helps achieve
economy
•Many construction equipments and machines make it possible to reduce
the time of construction and also improve the efficiency of work.
Some examples are:
Concrete mixing machine
Backhoes
Bulldozer
Beam moulds
Trailers
Wet mix macadam plants
etc
BACKHOE
BULLDOZER
CATERPILLAR TRAILER
On July 4th, 1965, in Crespellano, (Bologna), Dante N Bini
made the world's first attempt at using an automatic, self-
shaping construction process to build a fully reinforced
concrete structure on a previously built floor and footing
system
The experiment was successfully completed in three hours.
In only three hours, a dome 12 m. in diameter and 6 m. In
height had been pneumatically lifted from the ground and
shaped into an hemispherical thin shell structure.
(Fig. 1): The world’s first experiment in Crespellano. Bologna. Italy. (1965)
Sequence of the inflation and completed 12 m. diameter spherical dome
A year later, on July 6 .1966, in Castelfranco
Emilia, (Italy) another major experiment was
undertaken.
In less than four hours, 15 cubic meters of wet
concrete and flat steel was shaped into an
elliptical reinforced concrete dome 36 m. in
diameter and 12 m in height.
(Fig 2): The first 30 m. diameter experiment in Castelfranco Emilia, Modena. (1966)
Detail of the footing system.
Various systems of
automated construction
Mini shell system
The fastest and
cheapest systems
for building
permanent shelters
Very suitable for
low-cost
housing.
The erection time
reduced to 30
minutes.
The required man
power results in 1.5
hours per man
per each for sq.
m.of covered area.
Sequences of construction of the Minishell Tourist Village in Cairns, Australia. (1980)
The only two problems experienced during
the application of this method of
construction were:
a) Structural weakness in the "vertical" portion
of the walls when the concrete was still green.
b) Lack of precision and symmetry in the shape
and size of the four automatic openings.
BINISTAR SYSTEM
Originally conceived in
Australia in 1979.
It is the only
demountable,
automatic, method of
construction capable to
shape large-span metal
space-frame structures
of different shapes and
dimensions.
Sequence of construction of Binistar structures in Italy
and details. (1986-68)
In the same period the two other
conceptual systems were developed :
The "Fold-A-Struct"
The "Autotent"
Fold-a-struct produces :
An instant, demountable, square-based,
class-room unit, made up of four identical,
mass produced components provided with
"inner stored energy'' which contribute to the
self-assembly process.
(Fig. 8): Fold A Struct. self-assembling model (1987)
It produces:
A folded space frame which may be utilized as a
mini-shelter.
This shelter is designed as a civilian or military tent
which is dropped by low-flying aircraft in case of
emergencies.
The autotent self-shapes during its fall and is
provided with an identification light and with a
survival kit.
GEOPAK
(Official ppt for geopak)
OF
AUTOMATION IN
CONSTRUCTON
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
in Civil Engineering
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Introduction
•Photogrammetry:
Photogrammetry is the technique of measuring objects (2D or 3D)
from photogrammes.
Its most important feature is the fact that the objects are
measured without being touched.
•Automated photogrammetry : All functional aspects of photogrammetry,
i.e., triangulation, elevation data extraction etc are now being automated to
some degree. The drive towards automation has been triggered not only by
the continuing necessity to reduce costs, but also by the need to generate
new products and to utilize other than conventional mapping photography.
•Photogrammetry can be divided into:
Far range photogrammetry
-Aerial photogrammetry, etc
Close range photogrammetry
-Terrestrial Photogrammetry, etc
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering
•Applications in Civil Engineering
-Deformation Measurement in Beam Test
-Crack Measurement
-Geodetic Measurement of Dam
-Strain Analysis of Solid Wood and Glued Timber
Construction
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering: Case 1
•Automatic Deformation Measurement with a Digital Still Video Camera
-Application of a digital still video camera to the measurement of
deformations occurring during the dehydration process of concrete
parts over several months
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering: Case 2
•Measurement of Concrete Cracks Using Digitized Close-Range
Photographs
-Measurement of crack formation due to concrete expansion by
chemical reactions
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering: Case 2
-The non-contact measurement is employed because of the
physical limitations in manual measurements.
-Results: The widths of cracks change from place to place.
-A non-contact measure method improves the traditional time-
consuming measurement.
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering: Case 3
•Photogrammetric Techniques for Deformation Measurements on
Reservoir Walls
-Measurement of the 3-D coordinates of signalized targets on a
large water reservoir wall in Switzerland
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering: Case 3
-Repeated measurement of a large number of points is required in
short time.
-Photogrammetric data capture can be finished within minutes from
a helicopter; processing can be widely automated and the
accuracy potential can be in the order of 2-3 millimeters.
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry in Civil Engineering: Case 4
•Strain Analysis of solid wood and glued laminated timber
constructions by close range photogrammetry
-Measurement of progression of deformations, cracks and
deterioration including the loading and relieving of the specimens.
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
SURVEYING
Parliament House -Melbourne
Close Range Digital Photogrammetry
CONCLUDING REMARKS
•The photogrammetry technique is a powerful and
productive tool for accurate and robust measurement.
•The technique has been used in Civil Engineering due to the
following advantages.
-Time and efforts can be reduced at any measurement or
surveying work.
-The measurement can be repeated many times in short period.
-The data can be transmitted through network immediately.
-Highly concentrated data can be obtained.
-The real-time tracking of measurement is possible.
-High efficiency makes its production cost-effective
Construction Automation eliminates the need
for workers to operate in uncomfortable and
hazardous conditions, while concurrently
saving time, reducing costs and improving the
quality of the work place in the construction
industry.
It is well known that in spite of the
employment of sophisticated machinery and
equipment and some recent efforts to improve
on-site working conditions, construction sites
in general offer some of the worst working
conditions existing today.
As has already been experienced in other
industries, the application of automation and
robotics can cuts costs, environmental
pollution, and dramatically improves safety
and quality control to the benefit of living
standards in general.