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Файл:Английский язык для автоматизации строительства English for construction automation. Учебно-методическое пособие.pdf
automation equipment was introduced in the first part of the twentieth century? Why was constructed
What is your level of __________ in building engineering
Interest
Automate
Site
Place
Search
Short
Employ
Act
Robot
I am __________ in learning more about building engineering
She has a keen __________ in sustainable building practices
The __________ of construction processes has revolutionized the industry
We need to __________ the assembly line to increase productivity
The __________ system ensures efficient construction practices
The construction process was __________, resulting in faster completion
The construction __________ was carefully selected for its accessibility
They will __________ the new building near the existing structure
The __________ manager oversees all construction activities
The workers are working diligently on the __________
The __________ where the foundation will be laid has been prepared
They will __________ the steel beams on the foundation
The workers carefully __________ the bricks one by one
The __________ for sustainable building materials is ongoing
They will __________ for the best suppliers of construction materials
The __________ process can be time-consuming but necessary
They __________ extensively for eco-friendly construction options
The __________ span trusses provide structural support
They will __________ the length of the trusses for better stability
The trusses were cut __________ to fit the available space
The company __________ skilled engineers for their projects
The __________ engineers have extensive experience
The __________ of reinforcing concrete ensures structural strength
They will __________ quickly to reinforce the weakened structure
Their __________ prevented further damage
The __________ assists in the construction of prefabricated components
They will __________ the assembly line for increased efficiency
The __________ arm is used for precise construction tasks
What is your level of __________ in building engineering
I am __________ in learning more about building engineering
She has a keen __________ in sustainable building practices
industry being automated slowly? What is the current state of the construction industry?
машины с дистанционным управлением, роботы-укладчики кирпичей, страна столкнулась
с проблемой, высотное строительство, обработка материалов, жилое домостроение, сложный
проект, быстро развивающаяся робототехника, работники не заинтересованы, управление данными,
автоматизация распространялась.
column. Pay attention to parts of speech.
Task 17. Answer the questions: Where was modern construction automation developed? What
Task 18. Translate the following word expressions from the text into English.
Строительство развивается, работы изобретены, нехватка рабочей силы, стареющее население,
Task 19. Fill in the gaps with appropriate word forms derived from the roots given in the right
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Task 20. In pairs discuss the question: What are perspectives of the construction automation
in the nearest future?
Task 21. Answer the questions: What automated construction equipment do you know? What
equipment is used on the construction site?
Task 22. Read the text. What is the classification of construction automation?
Types of construction automation
Off-site construction automation
Off-site construction automation includes prefabrication, volumetric and panelized modular
construction, and precast. These practices move construction processes into factories.
Off-site automation in the building industry is more common than automated on-site operations,
despite the fact that the construction of buildings, roads, and bridges includes assemblies of manufactured
elements. The elements are diverse in materials, sizes and other characteristics. Therefore, the configuration
of automated equipment in a production line, and the production line must be adjustable to respond
to variation.
Factory automation saves time, money, and improves quality control and provides safety. The
automation makes work more comfortable for workers as many of the repetitive tasks associated with typical
construction processes are eliminated. Factory-based construction helps to save environment, creating
less waste; using less water; reducing operational energy; and optimizing material use, and recycling.
On-site construction automation
Factory-based automation in construction is a manufacturing technology allowing automated
tooling to produce building elements rather than whole products. On-site construction automation,
however, requires new equipment and processes. It should support variations across units while also
using standardized elements. For instance, automated equipment placing concrete reinforcement
eliminates repetitive tasks on the jobsite. It allows variability in rebar placement. And, by placing
the reinforcement precisely where it is needed, the equipment reduces construction waste.
Automated construction equipment allows the industry to consider the jobsite a factory in the field.
Therefore, there is a need to move along the field. Construction-automation machinery must be portable
to travel to construction sites, then set up, while being used, and taken down to move to the next job.
Today semiautonomous and autonomous construction vehicles are becoming widespread. One operator
can control several machines simultaneously. For example, load-carriers, excavators, dozers, and haul
trucks can be operated at the same time by only one human. Another example of a construction vehicle
is a rover. The rovers follow workers around on the construction site carrying tools and materials.
Autonomous vehicles are operated by means of special equipment. Sensors are used to detect
obstacles in the surroundings. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) and global positioning system (GPS)
locate the vehicles on the construction site. And control systems limit the movement of the machines
outside the site. The vehicles on-site are often connected to each other, allowing for coordinated actions.
Currently wheeled machines are being replaced by walking robots; as legs offer more benefits
than wheels. The main advantages of the walking robots are their adaptability and maneuverability.
They are light enough to operate on soft soil. The devices provide higher mobility, lower energy
consumption, and stability. There are several types of walking robots depending on the number of legs.
The most spread types are bipeds (humanoids), four-legged (quadrupeds), and six-legged. For example,
―Boston Dynamics‖, four-legged walking robots. They can inspect a site and collect data safely,
accurately, and frequently. The robot travels across the site and records the map. The path through
an environment will be remembered and can be repeated autonomously without a human control.
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Task 23. Decide whether the statements are true or false according to the text.
Statements
T/F
On-site construction automation includes prefabrication
On-site automation is more common than off-site prefabrication
Factory automation improves quality of products
The automation makes work more comfortable for workers
The automation makes employees work harder
Factory-based construction saves environment.
Factory-based automation produces whole building units
Construction-automation machinery is stationary
Autonomous construction vehicles are operated manually
Wheeled machines are being replaced by walking robots
Walking robots are adaptable to the environment
Robots cannot collect data
Off-site construction automation
On-site construction automation
Main features
Main features
…
…
Task 24. Answer the questions: What types of robots are mentioned in the text? Why are walking
robots better than wheeled machines? What vehicles are used on-site? What is the difference between
off-site and on-site construction automation? What does off-site automation include?
Task 25. Fill in the table with the information from the text. Using the complete table give
a 2-minutes talk on the types of construction automation.
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Unit 2. ROBOTICS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Task 1. Read the text and identify the types of robots used in the construction industry.
Robotics application in the construction industry
Between the 1960s and 1990s, many robots were created for industrial application. They were
used to make manufacturing production more efficient and economic. At that time robots could execute
works according to predefined programmes. Later on, robots were equipped with sensors to make
them more adaptable to the working environment. Today, modern robots are equipped with artificial
intelligence and can support and accompany humans. Nevertheless, many of them can deal only with
particular tasks in very specific situations.
Construction work usually takes place in a disorganised dangerous environment. Replacing construction
workers with robots offers many benefits; for example, safety, quality and productivity improvement.
Moreover, current trends in skyscraper construction suggesting unique and innovative designs
of extremely high-rise structures, with accompanying escalations in labour costs and difficulty in hiring
suitable employees, inevitably require adopting of various robotic technologies in the construction industry.
At present, robots are mainly used for dangerous and labor intensive jobs. Robots are used to
construct the superstructure of buildings. Climbing robots are used to maintain bridges, skyscrapers
and highways. Robots lay bricks, pave roads due to repetitive character of the job. Masonry automation
systems can build brick walls up to 8 m long. A bricklaying robot operates on-site accurately. It picks
the bricks from prepared pallets, applies bonding materials and erects brickwork, performing mortar
plastering on the bricks and squeezing the brick onto the mortar.
Wearable robotics aids construction workers’ movement when they lift and grasp heavy loads,
such as reinforcing bars, and while using industrial tools. A wearable exoskeleton is fastened to
shoulders, waist and thigh. It transfers loads to the ground when the construction workers stand or
kneel, creating a weightlessness sensation. The exoskeleton has an ergonomic design. Consequently,
it adapts to various body heights and types.
A robotic arm is a mechanical, programmable device designed to manipulate objects in a way
that is similar to the human arm. Robotic arms are considered the most common construction robot
type due to their adaptability in terms of scale, size, and type. They can perform different tasks like
welding, material handling, spraying, painting, drilling, and some others.
Recent innovations in computing, sensing, and control make it possible to design self-sufficient flying
machines. In the construction field flying robots float and navigate in the air, using wings, propellers,
or balloons. These devices can perform challenging construction tasks in changing environments.
The flying vehicles are being developed to modify construction components in the air. This would
eliminate the necessity for scaffolding and ground-based works. The current modification of mobile
robots can lift, carry and assemble polystyrene foam blocks.
Swarm robotic platforms allow many tiny robots to work simultaneously. These robots do not function
as a single device. The robot modules work cooperatively following their pre-planned trajectories as
nearly as possible. The number of robots in the system can be changed. The robots can be added, removed,
or reused. For example, current model of swarm robotics is a tiny unit of motors connected to magnetic
panels to transform into various forms. These motorized elements move and rotate to assemble themselves
into simple constructions. And these tasks being performed are not controlled by anyone on the site.
Although robotics in construction is still developing, it's certainly going to play a bigger role in
the future than it does now. The ability of robots to learn, adapt and act according to their senses
makes them different from traditional equipment. The main function of all robots is to assist humans
in various ways, and the type of robot used will be selected based on the requirements of each project.
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Task 2. Find in the text words having one of the following meanings.
computer systems copying intelligent human behaviour
a structure that is built on top of something
a machine attached to somebody’s body to enable them to perform
movements and actions more easily
having no weight
a structure for workers to stand on when they are working
the quality of being able to change or be changed in order to deal
successfully with new situations
a large group of bees, moving together in the same direction
the curved path of something that has been thrown into the air
something that you need or want
Images of robots
Type and function
A
B
C
Task 3. Fill in the table with the information from the text. Describe each type of robot
illustrated in the left column. Name main functions of each robot type.
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D
E
F
G
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Task 4. What types of robots were not mentioned in the text? Find information on the Internet.
Advantages of robotics
Disadvantages of robotics
High performance speed
High costs
…
…
Prepare a presentation on “Robots in the construction industry”. Explain how a robot works,
its mechanical elements and functions.
Task 5. Discuss the question with your partner. What are advantages and disadvantages
of robots’ use in the construction industry?
Task 6. Translate the following sentences into Russian paying attention to infinitives.
1. The primary objective of building automation is to reduce energy consumption. 2. The team is
planning to install a new building management system. 3. To optimize the HVAC system, the engineers
need to calibrate the sensors regularly. 4. The new building management system is to be installed by
the team. 5. The issue in the automation system was to be fixed by the technicians. 6. The potential
areas for improvement in the system are to be identified by the engineers. 7. The team appears to have
installed a new building management system. 8. The company seems to have reduced operational costs
by investing in building automation. 9. The building manager is believed to have monitored energy usage
through the automation system. 10. The engineers seem to have been optimizing the HVAC system
for several months now. 11. The company appears to have been investing in a new building automation
system to improve performance. 12. The building manager is reported to have been implementing new
energy-saving measures. 13. The primary objective of building automation is to be reducing energy
consumption. 14. The team is planning to be installing a new building management system next month.
15. The company hopes to be reducing operational costs by investing in building automation.
16. The outdated equipment in the system is to be replaced by the technicians. 17. The new HVAC
system is to be installed by the company to improve climate control in the building.
Task 7. Use the infinitive form to combine the sentences.
1. The team analyzed the data. They wanted to optimize the system. / 2. The engineer studied
the blueprints. He needed to design a more efficient system. / 3. The building manager is checking
the system. He hopes to prevent any potential issues. / 4. The technician checked the system. He wanted
to ensure everything was working properly. / 5. The manager is considering a system upgrade. He hopes
to improve energy efficiency. / 6. The team collected data from the sensors. They planned to analyze
the building’s energy usage. / 7. The electrician is installing new lighting controls. He aims to reduce
energy consumption. / 8. The maintenance team is inspecting the HVAC system. They need to prepare
for the upcoming summer. / 9. The software was updated. The goal was to enhance the automation
capabilities. / 10. The building manager is reviewing the energy audit report. He wants to identify
potential areas for improvement. / 11. The company is investing in new automation technology.
They hope to decrease operational costs. / 12. The HVAC engineer is testing the system. He wants
to ensure optimal performance. / 13. The team is installing a new building management system.
They aim to improve control over building operations. / 14. The maintenance team is replacing outdated
equipment. They hope to improve system reliability. / 15. The building manager is monitoring the energy
consumption. He aims to detect any anomalies.
Task 8. Read the text and fill in the table.
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Robotics in construction: pros and cons
The use of robotics in construction means that robots and human workers complement each other.
The different strengths and weaknesses of each side should be identified in order to achieve a harmonious
cooperation between humans and robots. For example, construction workers should focus on demanding
tasks where their presence is absolutely necessary, while robots can perform activities where strength
and speed are required. In this way, robots can transform the construction industry.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of using robots in construction.
One of the most important advantages is the minimization of mistakes, because robots can
guarantee accuracy. Fewer errors mean fewer delays and repairs. Therefore, the use of robotics can
have a positive impact on the overall project budget. This can lead to more affordable housing options.
Moreover, robots’ greater accuracy can offer in the near future more durable building solutions and
more sophisticated construction designs.
Including robots in the construction process leads to more comfortable working conditions for
construction workers. Robots can perform heavy manual tasks, freeing people to focus on managing
the construction processes. Workplace safety will also be improved, because dangerous tasks on site
are performed with greater accuracy by robots.
The introduction of robotics into construction processes makes the industry attractive to younger
people who want to build up a career around new technology. The arrival of young and intelligent
people in the industry will solve the labour shortage problem that construction industry is currently facing.
The automation of the construction process makes planning of construction projects more effective.
Consequently, all deadlines will be met; and both time and finance will be saved.
Integrating robotic machines within construction has certain drawbacks, as well.
Although the robotic machines will not be able to completely replace human workers, there
will be some unemployment in the industry in the future. Today, robots can do some basic tasks, but
the more sophisticated and dynamic tasks still require human labour. These tasks are too complex
for current automation technology to perform.
The cost of acquiring and manufacturing robots remains extremely high. Because of that,
there’s a strong chance that only fewer companies will accumulate the advanced technologies having
the financial capacity to acquire them. Consequently, many small or medium scale construction
companies may go bankrupt.
Acquiring the right machinery means you have someone that knows how to operate and maintain it.
Thus, construction companies will have to spend a noticeable amount of time and money in order to
train their employees on using this cutting-edge technology.
Obviously, the introduction of robots into the construction industry will take a large amount of time.
The biggest challenge now is the combination of human and machine labor on the construction site.
Nevertheless, robotics in construction has the bright future.
Task 9. Read the conditional sentences. Use the appropriate form of the verb.
Unreal conditionals: If I (have) a voice-activated home automation system, I (control) all the
appliances with just my voice. If I (own) a smart lock, I (need) to worry about forgetting my keys ever
again. If I (afford) a complete home automation system, I (have) total control over my home’s lighting,
temperature, and security. If I (live) in a futuristic smart home, the refrigerator automatically (order)
groceries when I (run) out. If my home (have) a fully integrated automation system, I (program)
custom lighting scenes for different occasions.
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Real conditionals: If the temperature (reach) 75 degrees, the air conditioner (turn) on. If the smoke
cost
accuracy
rest
price
precision
break
protection
lower
preserve
safety
apparatus
maintain
productiveness
accomplish
damage
efficiency
perform
benefit
equipment
mistake
enhance
decrease
error
drawback
hazardous
intensify
improve
dangerous
skill
craft
detector (sense) smoke, the security system (alert) the authorities. If someone (ring) the doorbell,
the camera (send) a notification to my phone. If the window sensor (detect) an open window, the
thermostat (adjust) to conserve energy. If the carbon monoxide detector (sense) high levels, the ventilation
system (activate) to clear the air.
Semi-real conditionals: If I (have) a smart lighting system, I (schedule) the lights to turn on
and off at specific times. If the door sensor (activate), a chime (sound) to alert me of someone’s presence.
If the security camera (detect) motion, it (send) a notification to my phone, but sometimes it (be) just a
stray cat. If the weather station (predict) rain, the irrigation system (delay) watering the plants. If I (have)
a smart energy monitoring system, I (track) my energy usage and make adjustments to save money.
Task 10. In pairs discuss the following questions: What is the future of construction robotics?
How will it be being developed? What will robotics look like in 50 years?
Task 11. Work in pairs. Student A works for great building company as a construction site
manager. Because of the labor shortages the construction company decided to automate the
construction site. But the available budget is limited, so the manager should choose the most
beneficial construction equipment to buy. Consult with an engineer and suggest what automated
equipment should be purchased. Student B works for advanced equipment company as an
engineer designing automated construction machines and equipment. Help your partner to
identify the most effective construction technologies.
Task 12. Match synonyms.
Task 13. Read the sentences and choose the appropriate words.
1. Construction automation aims to enhance/reduce accuracy in the building process. 2. The use of
robotics on the construction site reduces errors/accuracy in the building process. 3. Automated systems
can break down complex/simple tasks into smaller steps, increasing efficiency. 4. By utilizing automation,
construction sites can become safer by reducing dangerous/safe manual labour. 5. Traditional construction
methods often require a higher skill/incompetence level, whereas automation can lower/increase the skill
requirements. 6. Automation can increase the speed of construction projects, reducing progress/delays.
7. One drawback/benefit of construction automation is the initial cost of implementing the necessary
machinery and systems. 8. However, the benefits/shortcomings of automation, such as increased
productivity and reduced labour costs, outweigh the drawbacks/benefits. 9. Automation can help overcome
human skill/incompetence or limitations, ensuring consistent quality in construction. 10. Machines can
perform repetitive tasks with high mistake/accuracy, eliminating the risk of machine/human error.
11. Construction automation offers unique/usual solutions that go beyond the traditional manual labour
approach. 12. Automated systems can handle tasks that are typically considered safe/dangerous for humans.
13. The use of automation in construction can lead to lower/increased profitability. 14. Automation
can lessen/enhance the precision of measurements in construction projects. 15. Automation can help
overcome the limitations of machine/human physical capabilities. 16. The house was built at great
profit/expense. 17. The company made a profit/expense of about 1.4 bn dollars on the deal.
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Task 14. Read the text and fill in the gaps with appropriate words from the list: enhances,
perform, customization, low, maintain, expenses, human, complexity, create, problem-solving,
benefits, traditional, dangerous, safety, efficiency, cost, equipment, lowered, delays, improved,
unemployment, shortcomings, precision, error, breaks, enhanced, drawbacks, replacement,
skills, unique.
Automated construction: advantages and disadvantages
One of the most significant benefits of automated construction is increased __________.
Сonstruction tasks can be completed faster and with greater __________ if robots and automation
are utilized. These technologies eliminate human __________. They save the time needed to complete
projects. Furthermore, robots do not require __________ or rest. Therefore, automated construction
allows for 24/7 operation. The permanent construction operation leads to __________ productivity
and faster project delivery.
Another advantage of automated construction is improved __________. Construction tasks can
be __________; they can lead to human injuries. If automated robotics __________ dangerous
tasks, it effectively eliminates the amount of accidents on the construction site. Thus, the risks are
minimized; and automated construction __________ overall safety on the job site.
Automated construction also offers greater __________ and design flexibility. Using automated
technologies designers have more control over the shape, size, and __________ of structures. This
makes it possible to __________ unique designs. Designs that would not have been possible using
__________ construction methods.
__________ efficiency is another advantage of automated construction. Despite the fact that
the initial investment in construction robotics and __________ are high, the use of automated
technologies leads to long-term savings. Expenses on construction are __________ by reduction of
labour payments (as the need for manual labor is reduced) and increase of productivity. Additionally,
costs associated with __________ and rework are reduced by minimizing construction time and material
waste.
However, automated construction also has some __________. One major drawback is the
__________ of human workers by robots. This can lead to unemployment. Additionally, the use of
advanced automated technologies requires additional training and the development of new __________
for employees.
Another drawback is the __________ diffusion of automated technologies among construction firms.
The robotics and automated machinery are expensive to implement and __________. Due to the
high __________ on equipment smaller businesses cannot afford the technologies. Furthermore,
construction tasks, requiring high levels of craftsmanship, are better performed by __________
workers rather than robotics.
Lastly, the use of automated technologies is limited if they are utilized in complex or __________
projects. Challenges can occur in different fields such as material options, complex detailing, or
customization. Human creativity in __________ may still be required in certain scenarios that cannot
be fully automated.
In conclusion, automated construction has a lot of __________, including increased efficiency,
__________ safety, enhanced customization, and cost efficiency. However, it also has drawbacks in
terms of potential __________, limited scalability, and the need for human intervention in complex
projects. By addressing these __________, the construction industry can ensure a sustainable approach
to future development.
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