Using Artificial Intelligence to Build with Unprocessed Rock

Abstract

Unprocessed rock is a massive resource of very cheap building material with very low embodied energy. However, it is highly underutilised due to the difficulty of dealing with irregular shaped blocks. We have developed a novel software application using the artificial intelligence methods of search and optimisation to simulate building three-dimensional structures in a virtual world. The aim of our software is to help builders solve the 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle of building with rock rubble with an emphasis on its potential use for building sustainable housing and infrastructure. This paper describes our approach and the design of our software including an overview of the rock digitising, optimisation software and building methods. We present simulation results of building and testing several small drystone structures using the prototype software.