Fabrication Information Modeling for Closed-Loop Design and Quality Improvement in Additive Manufacturing for construction
Martin Slepicka, André Borrmann
Abstract
Additive Manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a disruptive technology with the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by integrating digital design with automated manufacturing. This paper presents and extends Fabrication Information Modeling (FIM), a comprehensive framework tailored for automated manufacturing in construction. FIM facilitates the seamless integration of digital design concepts with automated manufacturing processes, enabling precise control over fabrication information and enhancing construction efficiency and quality. This paper demonstrates its potential to optimize construction processes through a detailed exploration of FIM’s capabilities, including data preparation, path planning, simulation integration, robot control, and data feedback. By enabling a circular data flow between digital modeling and manufacturing, FIM is able to bridge the gap between digital design and physical construction, revolutionizing how construction projects are conceived, planned, and executed. The paper concludes by highlighting the challenges and future research directions in advancing FIM-based construction systems, emphasizing its transformative potential in driving innovation and sustainability in the construction industry. • Framework integrating automated manufacturing into digital building design (BIM). • Enables circular data flow between digital design and automated manufacturing. • Facilitates fabrication information modeling across different building design iterations. • Key elements for closing the digital-physical-digital loop are identified.