Finishes

Wallboard, pre-fabricated partitions, millwork, and other finish materials can often be installed using available automated construction technologies.  Equipment is available that can manipulate and help install these products, allowing for accurate and efficient construction without exposing workers to heavy lifting and ergonomic impacts.

Example Automated Technologies: 

The following are examples of automated finishing technologies that are currently available for use in construction:

Common Limiting Design Features

The following are examples of design features that often limit the use of automated finishing technologies during construction:

• Inadequate clearance for access and operation of the equipment.

• Non-standard shapes, sizes, and lengths of finish materials (e.g., wallboard, partitions, millwork).

• Inconsistent member shapes, sizes, and lengths used on the project.

• An excessive number of attachments and irregularities on finish materials.

• Complicated or intricate connection and mounting of finishes.

Recommended Design Practices

The following are examples of suggested design practices that facilitate the use of automated finishing technologies during construction:

• Use repetitive finish material shapes, sizes, and lengths.

• Standardize the connection and mounting of finish materials throughout the project.

• Maximize the use of finish materials that are consistent with industry standard sizes and shapes.

• Ensure that the materials are of such size and strength that they can be easily manipulated without being damaged.

Expected Benefits

The following are examples of benefits that have been realized from the use of automated finishing technologies during construction:

• Increased production related to installing finish materials.

• Improved quality and consistency of the work.

• Decreased worker exposure to safety and health hazards related to handling and installation of the materials.