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DFAB HOUSE (2021-10)

Implications of a Building-Scale Demonstrator for Adoption of Digital Fabrication in AEC

10.1080/01446193.2021.1988667

 Graser Konrad, Kahlert Aniko,  Hall Daniel
Journal Article - Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 39, Iss. 10, pp. 853-873

Abstract

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry finds itself in an accelerating shift towards the use of more digital fabrication (DFAB) technologies. DFAB promises great advantages in AEC, but its adoption is so far lagging and there are few examples of building projects employing DFAB at scale. To facilitate DFAB adoption, we need to identify its challenges and opportunities of in the project context and understand its implications beyond project boundaries. To do this, this paper conducts a single case study on DFAB HOUSE, the first project to introduce several fundamentally new DFAB technologies to construct a fully functional building. Using Qualitative Content Analysis, we provide an overview of the challenges to consider and the strategies available to successfully adopt DFAB technologies in construction projects, establishing a socio-technical framework for DFAB adoption in AEC projects. We find that full-scale projects are an effective exploration method of DFAB in AEC, implementation at scale increases acceptance of DFAB in AEC, and projects are instrumental in establishing an emergent praxis of DFAB.

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5 Citations

  1. Sangiorgio Valentino, Bianchi Iacopo, Forcellese Archimede (2025-02)
    Advancing Decarbonization Through 3D Printed Concrete Formworks:
    LIFE Cycle Analysis of Technologies, Materials, and Processes
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    Additive Manufacturing of Natural Materials
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    3D Printed Concrete Walls Reinforced with Flexible FRP Textile:
    Automatic Construction, Digital Rebuilding, and Seismic Performance
  4. Graser Konrad, Walzer Alexander, Hunhevicz Jens, Jähne René et al. (2023-06)
    Qualitative Technology Evaluation of Digital Fabrication with Concrete:
    Conceptual Framework and Scoreboard
  5. Tuvayanond Wiput, Prasittisopin Lapyote (2023-02)
    Design for Manufacture and Assembly of Digital Fabrication and Additive Manufacturing in Construction:
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BibTeX 
@article{gras_kahl_hall.2021.DH,
  author            = "Konrad Graser and Aniko Kahlert and Daniel M. Hall",
  title             = "DFAB HOUSE: Implications of a Building-Scale Demonstrator for Adoption of Digital Fabrication in AEC",
  doi               = "10.1080/01446193.2021.1988667",
  year              = "2021",
  journal           = "Construction Management and Economics",
  volume            = "39",
  number            = "10",
  pages             = "853--873",
}
Formatted Citation

K. Graser, A. Kahlert and D. M. Hall, “DFAB HOUSE: Implications of a Building-Scale Demonstrator for Adoption of Digital Fabrication in AEC”, Construction Management and Economics, vol. 39, no. 10, pp. 853–873, 2021, doi: 10.1080/01446193.2021.1988667.

Graser, Konrad, Aniko Kahlert, and Daniel M. Hall. “DFAB HOUSE: Implications of a Building-Scale Demonstrator for Adoption of Digital Fabrication in AEC”. Construction Management and Economics 39, no. 10 (2021): 853–73. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2021.1988667.