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Potential benefits of digital fabrication for complex structures: Environmental assessment of a robotically fabricated concrete wall

Agustí-Juan, I; Müller, F; Hack, N; Wangler, T; Habert, G; (2017) Potential benefits of digital fabrication for complex structures: Environmental assessment of a robotically fabricated concrete wall. Journal of Cleaner Production , 154 pp. 330-340. 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.002. Green open access

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Abstract

Digital fabrication represents innovative, computer-controlled processes and technologies with the potential to expand the boundaries of conventional construction. Their use in construction is currently restricted to complex and iconic structures, but the growth potential is large. This paper aims to investigate the environmental opportunities of digital fabrication methods, particularly when applied to complex concrete geometries. A case study of a novel robotic additive process that is applied to a wall structure is evaluated with the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. The results of the assessment demonstrate that digital fabrication provides environmental benefits when applied to complex structures. The results also confirm that additional complexity is achieved through digital fabrication without additional environmental costs. This study provides a quantitative argument to position digital fabrication at the beginning of a new era, which is often called the Digital Age in many other disciplines.

Type: Article
Title: Potential benefits of digital fabrication for complex structures: Environmental assessment of a robotically fabricated concrete wall
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.002
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.04.002
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: Digital fabrication, LCA, Complexity, Concrete, Robotic construction, Sustainability
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10062203
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