Papers
Additive Formwork In Precast Construction – Agent-Based Methods For Fabrication-Aware Modularization Of Concrete Building Elements
David Stieler Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), University of Stuttgart
Tobias Schwinn Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), University of Stuttgart
Achim Menges Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD), University of Stuttgart
This paper presents the geometric foundations for an agent-based modeling (ABM) approach to modularize concrete building elements for prefabrication via additive formwork. The method presented extends the functionality of existing planning tools for concrete prefabrication to addresses the manufacturing characteristics of additive formwork production using fused deposition modeling (FDM), and negotiates these with the structural requirements of its underlying building geometry. First, a method to classify building components according to fabrication methods using a probabilistic feature-based Naive Bayes classifier is presented. This classification allows to automatically assign the most suitable production method to every individual building element within a given building model. Following this classification, elements identified for the production using additive formwork are modularized in an automated, agent-based process. The modularization process utilizing a voxel-representation of the initial building element geometry is described in detail. An agent-based method to simulate multiple modularization variants is presented and the integration of feedback from iterative negotiation processes between fabrication expenditures and structural behaviour outlined. The approach presented fosters material-saving construction and production processes in planning and therefore directly addresses crucial issues of the agenda for global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Keywords: Agent-Based Modeling, Modularization, Prefabrication, Abm, Volumetric Modeling, Additive Formwork, Sdg 9, Sdg 12