CONTOUR CRAFTING - THE EMERGING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

摘要

This paper describes Contour Crafting (CC), a revolutionary construction approach using a layeredrnfabrication process developed at the University of Southern California. CC technology adapts Rapid Prototyping (RP)rncapabilities and extends them to the field of large scale construction. During the 1990s, various prototype constructionrnautomation and robotics technologies were implemented in industry to address problems such as productivity, quality,rnsafety, high cost and skilled labor shortages. Despite aggressive research, investment, and development efforts, nornsignificant improvement has materialized nor implemented at the construction sites. The CC approach introduces a newrnautomation paradigm for large scale, whole structure construction. This new process has a much better chance forrnsuccessful implementation because of simplicity, low cost, and compatibility with currently available automationrntechnologies. The feasibility and scalability of CC has already been demonstrated for large concrete structuralrncomponents using regular construction materials. By adopting the Contour Crafting approach, the construction industryrnhas a great opportunity to deploy a successful automated construction system, which addresses the problems facing thernindustry.