Panlei Chen , Lili Hu , Peng Feng , Peibo Li , Xingxing Zou
{"title":"Automated robotic system for FRP application in steel structures","authors":"Panlei Chen , Lili Hu , Peng Feng , Peibo Li , Xingxing Zou","doi":"10.1016/j.autcon.2026.106946","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement applied through surface bonding can significantly improve the mechanical performance and durability of steel structures. However, current FRP application largely depends on manual operations, making it difficult to precisely control process parameters and ensure optimal bonding quality. This study developed an automated robotic system for FRP application in steel structures, integrating steel surface grinding, adhesive application, FRP rolling/pressing, laying, and cutting. The research covers the mechanism design, control system development, and proposed a robotic reinforcement procedure. Parameter studies were conducted through experimental and theoretical analyses to determine the optimal sequence and operation parameters. Validation tests showed that under optimal parameters, the CFRP-steel interface achieved an ultimate load capacity of 46 kN, 32% higher than the manual result of 35 kN. Moreover, the robotic system applied single-layer FRP sheet 60% faster than manual operations. The development of an integrated end-to-end robotic FRP bonding workflow overcomes the limitations of manual methods and paves the way for intelligent construction technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8660,"journal":{"name":"Automation in Construction","volume":"188 ","pages":"Article 106946"},"PeriodicalIF":12.6000,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Automation in Construction","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580526001871","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"2026/4/28 0:00:00","PubModel":"Epub","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CONSTRUCTION & BUILDING TECHNOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement applied through surface bonding can significantly improve the mechanical performance and durability of steel structures. However, current FRP application largely depends on manual operations, making it difficult to precisely control process parameters and ensure optimal bonding quality. This study developed an automated robotic system for FRP application in steel structures, integrating steel surface grinding, adhesive application, FRP rolling/pressing, laying, and cutting. The research covers the mechanism design, control system development, and proposed a robotic reinforcement procedure. Parameter studies were conducted through experimental and theoretical analyses to determine the optimal sequence and operation parameters. Validation tests showed that under optimal parameters, the CFRP-steel interface achieved an ultimate load capacity of 46 kN, 32% higher than the manual result of 35 kN. Moreover, the robotic system applied single-layer FRP sheet 60% faster than manual operations. The development of an integrated end-to-end robotic FRP bonding workflow overcomes the limitations of manual methods and paves the way for intelligent construction technologies.
期刊介绍:
Automation in Construction is an international journal that focuses on publishing original research papers related to the use of Information Technologies in various aspects of the construction industry. The journal covers topics such as design, engineering, construction technologies, and the maintenance and management of constructed facilities.
The scope of Automation in Construction is extensive and covers all stages of the construction life cycle. This includes initial planning and design, construction of the facility, operation and maintenance, as well as the eventual dismantling and recycling of buildings and engineering structures.