Graser, K; Kahlert, A and Hall, D M (2021) Dfab house: Implications of a building-scale demonstrator for adoption of digital fabrication in AEC. Construction Management and Economics, 39(10), pp. 853-873. ISSN 01446193
Abstract
The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry finds itself in an accelerating shift towards the use of more digital fabrication (DFAB) technologies. DFAB promises great advantages in AEC, but its adoption is so far lagging and there are few examples of building projects employing DFAB at scale. To facilitate DFAB adoption, we need to identify its challenges and opportunities of in the project context and understand its implications beyond project boundaries. To do this, this paper conducts a single case study on DFAB HOUSE, the first project to introduce several fundamentally new DFAB technologies to construct a fully functional building. Using Qualitative Content Analysis, we provide an overview of the challenges to consider and the strategies available to successfully adopt DFAB technologies in construction projects, establishing a socio-technical framework for DFAB adoption in AEC projects. We find that full-scale projects are an effective exploration method of DFAB in AEC, implementation at scale increases acceptance of DFAB in AEC, and projects are instrumental in establishing an emergent praxis of DFAB.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | automation; construction technology; fabrication; technology management; technology transfer |
| Index terms: | praxis, technology transfer, construction project, construction technology, content analysis, fabrication, exploration, socio-technical, digital fabrication, automation, case study, technology management, boundaries, implementation, strategy |
| Subjects: | manufacturing engineering, management, property law, data analysis and analytics, innovation studies, knowledge management, research methods, information systems, data collection methods, automation and robotics, environmental resource management, digital engineering, reflexivity, production management, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Project Management, Legal Issues, Sustainability, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Digital Applications, Procurement, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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