EXPERIMENTAL EXPLORATIONS WITH DIGITAL FABRICATION FOR PREFABRICATED CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Digital fabrication tools are powerful machines that have opened a new mindset in the whole construction process and have brought a perfect scene for experimental explorations in the prefabricated construction industry. However, it is still an outlier in the Ecuadorian construction industry where it is uncommon to have industrialized techniques and digital manufacturing machinery. Consequently, academia should promote its use by learning, teaching, and experimenting with these tools. Prefabricated construction enhances technology, logistics, assembly methods, and resource optimization. Combining these two leading techniques will reshape the construction process and make a more efficient industry. Digital prefabrication utilizes advanced technology to improve quality, lower costs, and rapidly test new ideas. This article describes the processes and the experimental approach used in two case studies for building concrete prefabricated pieces with digital manufacturing. Concrete was chosen as the material for the research due to its high demand in the local industry. The objective was to prefabricate items, that could work as an entire system, with a high level of optimization for sustainable construction that achieves scale and repeatability. Lastly, it is significant to mention the lack of local references in this area; therefore, these tests explore the capacity of using digital fabrication to build precast concrete panels to create prototypes that will serve as starting points for further research. Keywords: Digital Manufacturing, Prefabrication, Precast Concrete, Experimental explorations, CNC Fabrication, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Concrete panel, Rapid Prototyping.