LAUSR

Abstract Current construction of engineering structures faces a variety of challenges, such as shortage of skilled labor, low adaptation to new technologies, and increasing concerns for negative impacts on the environment. These challenges have significantly compromised the productivity and economic benefits of the construction industry. Further, construction activities have been linked to significant emissions, particularly CO2 associated with global warming. This study proposes a new paradigm of construction – Lego-inspired construction, and investigates the feasibility. Inspired by Lego blocks that can be assembled via dry joints and disassembled for different objects, this study presents blocks made using a bendable concrete, aiming to assemble various structures with dry joints. The blocks are used to assemble a prototype footbridge to demonstrate the assembling process, which is compatible with robotic systems for construction automation. The footbridge demonstrated reasonable load-carrying capability in mechanical testing. After the testing, the footbridge was disassembled, and the blocks were reused to assemble a frame for buildings. The proposed Lego-inspired construction is promising to greatly improve the construction efficiency and reduce the adverse impacts on the natural environment caused by conventional construction approaches.