Dimensional Variability Analysis of Construction Assemblies Using Kinematics Chains and Building Information Models

Abstract

Design optimization frameworks used in manufacturing can be adopted into construction to solve complex and relatively unsolved challenges, as recent construction methods progressively incorporate more manufacturing aspects. For example, the specification and dimensional control for compliance checking of construction components can be solved using tools existing in manufacturing. Even though building information models (BIM) assist with clash detection for identifying potential dimensional problems, dimensional variability remains a complex challenge to address in construction. This paper explores the use of a dimensional variation analysis (DVA), which is originally developed in the manufacturing industry as a design optimization tool. This paper presents a DVA approach which is based on kinematics theory in robotics to define the assembly equation (how various parts of a component are related to each other mathematically). A design-model based DVA is validated using a case study. Results show that the method is capable of determining variability between the designed and fabricated states with a reasonable level of accuracy.