Feasibility and implementation of automation and robotics in Canadian building construction operation

Construction automation has received considerable attention in recent years as a means of countering the problems of declining productivity, increasing labour and safety costs, and labour scarcity. Although considerable attention has been focussed on hardware and software developments and on prioritizing research efforts, relatively little attention has been paid to the efficient implementation of automated and robotic equipment by contractors. This thesis addresses the feasibility of automation and robotics in Canadian building construction operations and identifies how implementation can be accomplished so that contractors can gain immediate benefits.;A methodology for analyzing the implementation of automation in construction operations is developed, based on the concept that manual, semi-automated, and fully automated tasks must be combined to achieve overall operation objectives. The construction of concrete slabs on grade is selected as a case study operation, considering semi-automated concrete placing and robotic floor finishing implemented separately or jointly. Information on local practices relation to manual and semi-automated work is obtained through structured interviews with five specialized contractors and observation of their crews. Information on robotic finishing is obtained through published reports and discussions with Japanese contractors.;The study highlights the importance of considering the entire operation when analyzing the implementation of automated equipment. Although automation can help achieve positive results by improving productivity, it may not always reduce manpower requirements and may afford quality improvements which do not always yield direct benefits. This suggests that careful planning is required to ensure that unrealistic expectations do not yield unexpected results.