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ATLSS Integrated Building System
The Need
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The procedure for erecting
building structures has changed very little during the past few years. Field work requires
workers to perform complicated and strenuous tasks in a highly dangerous environment.
There is a need to develop new technology to protect workers from the dangerous job
environment and emphasize cost-efficiency, especially in the construction of multistory
structures with repeated cycles. |
ATLSS Connector
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The Technology
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The AIBS (ATLSS Integrated
Building Systems) program was developed to coordinate ongoing research projects in
automated construction and connection systems. The objective of this technology is to
design, fabricate, erect, and evaluate cost-effective building systems with a focus on
providing a computer integrated approach to these activities. A family of structural systems, called ATLSS
beam-to-column connections, in both concrete and steel, will possess the capability of
being erected by automated construction techniques. The technology for automated
construction is heavily dependent on the use of Stewart platform cranes which are
controlled by a system of six cables to allow precise movement in six directions. |
Mortise on column flange and tenon on beam
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The Benefits
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The emphasis of these new
designs is on cost-efficient fabrication as well as geometric configurations which provide
an automatic self-guided erection feature to greatly facilitate initial placement. This
feature will minimize human assistance during construction and will result in quicker,
less expensive erection procedures in which workers are less susceptible to injury or
fatalities.
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Bay being assembled on ground
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A model building
frame was developed as a case study to compare the AIBS system to conventional
construction. Based on the results, the range of projected cost savings with the
introduction of the ATLSS connector was between 9% and 12%. The range of projected cost
saving with both the ATLSS connector and Stewart platform crane being used was estimated
to be between 12% and 18% |
Status
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ATLSS researchers demonstrated
the connections and a prototype model of the Stewart platform in February 1992. A
consortium of government, industry, and university partners is envisioned as the most
effective mechanism to move these technologies from the laboratory to the field. |
Barriers
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The ATLSS connections have
been used successfully but the use has been limited. Future use and technology transfer to
the industry will be required. |
Points of Contact
References
- B. Vincent Viscomi, Le-Wu Lu, William D.
Michalerya, Adam B. Larrabee, & N. Duke Perreira. "Automated Erection of
Structures Utilizing ATLSS Connections and A Robotic Crane." Microcomputer in
Civil Engineering 10 (1995), pp. 309-323.
- B. Vincent Viscomi, Le-Wu Lu, William D.
Michalerya. "Automated construction in the ATLSS integrated building
systems." Automation in Construction 3 (1994), pp. 35-43.
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
SSL02/LHM
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