A kinematic interpretation of the construction process

Abstract

On-site construction costs are very significant to project costs, as a result, the present trend is to fabricate larger components to simplify erection. This approach is however limited by the capacity of the transportation network and by constraints placed on erection . In stead of fabricating ever larger components it is possible to develop better adapted and more versatile construct ion machines, or to fully integrate the building components to the erecting mechanisms. The latter approach which finds its extreme expression in self-erecting structures forms the subject of this investigation. The objective is to present a framework of concepts and alternatives by which the potential of this approach can be more fully realized and better understood. The conceptual framework for this investigation was taken from "Kinematic Geometry" a branch of Dynamics generally associated with machine design. We draw from it only its most elemental concepts, these provide the looking glass, the interpretation. The main body consists of three parts. The first two follow the order of construction: first a mechanism is built, and then, by adding constraints, a structure consolidates, while the third discusses different relations and degrees of collaboration between the builder and that which is being built. We believe that, from the perspective here presented, not only is it possible to reformulate many of the problems of construction, but also , as a consequence, the approach to design, allowing for the synthesis of new solutions.