Robotic weaving of customizable frp formworks for large-scale optimized structure

Abstract

This research presents a novel method of robotic fabrication for customizable fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubular formworks, which also function as reinforcements for large-scale structural components. This process is achieved by the spatial weaving of FRP fabric driven by a robotic arm, and calibrated with the fast-cure resin which is applied on the fabric and cures during the weaving process so the fabricated structure is self-supporting and the structure is formed in an additive manner. With this method, structural members with changing sections can be customized and fabricated rapidly with off-the-shelf materials, following a system of structural reinforcement that has been widely adopted in the construction industry and promotes new applications of construction robotics.