An experimental study of a curved brick wall using Robot assembly as a teaching tool in architectural curriculum

Bricklaying is one of the most physically demanding jobs in construction that generates limited forms. Robotics have been integrated into masonry construction to overcome its limitation regarding complexity, time, and cost. However, the construction sector is facing challenges due to the rapid digital fabrication, where multidisciplinary projects between both industry and academia became common practice to reach efficient solutions to enhance masonry construction. The paper aims at investigating the potential of integrating robotics in architecture educational curricula to assess the productivity of brick assembly regarding speed, cost, time, and quality. The experimental study in the paper includes comparing a curved masonry wall with changes in the porosity using both manual and robot assemblies. The results indicated a low quality in manual assembly while increasing the productivity rate in the case of robotics. The robots recorded constant time two times less than manual bricklaying. Robotics would operate as a paradigm shift in architecture education which will enhance the AEC industry to reach complex forms taking into consideration adaptation through the different environments.