Joseph Pegna

Papers

Total Citations

358

H-Index

About

Joseph Pegna is a pioneering figure in the intersection of additive manufacturing and construction automation, best known for his foundational work in solid freeform construction. His research laid the early groundwork for what would later become large-scale 3D printing in the building industry. Pegna’s most influential contribution, the 1997 paper "Exploratory investigation of solid freeform construction," has garnered 354 citations, establishing it as a seminal reference in the field. In this work, he proposed the direct layer-by-layer fabrication of structural components, challenging traditional construction methods and envisioning a future of automated, on-site building. His earlier 1995 study further explored layered fabrication applied to construction automation, critically noting that conventional robotic tools had failed to improve construction productivity. By identifying this gap and proposing an additive approach, Pegna helped catalyze a paradigm shift toward digital construction. His visionary insights continue to inspire researchers and engineers developing robotic and 3D printing technologies for the built environment.