Design of a precision concrete spreader for prefabricated components based on PLC intelligent control
Zirui Fang
Dezhou University
Zhijie Wang
Dezhou University
Zhixin Li
Dezhou University
Quan Zheng
Dezhou University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esta.v13i2.14553
Keywords: precast concrete components; prefabricated construction; programmable logic controller; concrete spreader; PID control; SolidWorks
Abstract
Prefabricated construction, an innovative approach with energy efficiency, low carbon emissions, lightweight design, and material recyclability, has strong national policy support in China. Precast concrete elements (PCEs) are the most critical component in prefabricated buildings, and the intelligence and automation of concrete spreader equipment determine manufacturing efficiency and product quality. Currently, most spreaders rely on manual or semi - mechanized operations, causing uneven material distribution, high spoilage rates, limited coverage, and high equipment failure rates. By 2024, automated spreaders accounted for 63% of the market share, showing an industrial transition driven by advanced numerical control (NC) systems and robotics. To solve these problems, this study develops a fully intelligent precision concrete spreader for prefabricated components using a Siemens S7 - 200 SMART programmable logic controller (PLC) and SolidWorks 3D modeling. The system integrates a 12 - channel independent hydraulic discharge mechanism, a dual - track traversal structure, a three - level anti - collision protection system, and a PID closed - loop material control algorithm with load cell feedback. The design supports modular manufacturing, easy maintenance, and scalable automation upgrades including machine vision integration for future use.
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