Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based on-site 3D printer position optimization and path planning for digital fabrication

Abstract

The on-site integration of 3D printing and Building Information Modeling (BIM) has shown the potential to improve the production processes of digital fabrication with concrete. BIM can be used in the site planning and optimization of the digital fabrication process by optimally positioning the 3D printers on the construction site. In this work, a BIM-based 3D-printer position optimization and path planning tool was developed using the Dynamo plugin of the Autodesk Revit software. This tool works similarly to the BIM-based site layout optimization tools for the operation and positioning of major construction equipment (e.g., cranes). The developed tool considers the physical properties of a robotic arm 3D printer, such as its dimensions and printing range and the geometry and location of the elements to be printed on-site. It suggests the optimum path for the 3D printer to fabricate a project. The position optimization and path planning tool are validated for a case study of a real-world 3D-printed single-floor office building and successfully reduced the number of steps required for printing the walls of the case study building, enabling significant time and energy savings.