Advanced Steel Beam Assembly Approach for Improving Safety of Structural Steel Workers

Abstract

This study describes an advanced steel beam assembly approach to improve the safety of structural steel workers compared with that of the conventional process in construction. The approach uses a self-supported steel joint that changes the shape of existing steel members, an automated wire control machine that supports the assembly process, and control by a worker on the work floor. Development procedures consisted of the following steps: (1) setting up the development direction, (2) designing and producing the prototypes, (3) assessing the proposed approach through mock-up tests and modifying the prototypes, and (4) verifying the proposed approach through field application at a pilot project site. Overall, the time and cost to assemble beams in the pilot project site were reduced by 3 days and $1365.32, respectively. In particular, safety was improved by 82.35% compared with the conventional process. The proposed approach is expected to be a practical alternative providing improved safety of the steel beam assembly process. Furthermore, development procedures involved in this study may be useful to researchers interested in developing advanced construction methods.