Automated BIM-based structural design and cost optimization model for reinforced concrete buildings

Area of Science:

• Computational Engineering
• Architectural Science
• Sustainable Design

Background:

• Manual building design optimization is time-consuming and often leads to suboptimal functionality and high costs.
• Limited design iterations in traditional methods hinder achieving cost-effective and functional building layouts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) model for automating the optimization of building layouts and structural elements.
• To minimize construction costs while adhering to architectural functionality constraints.

Main Methods:

• Integration of structural design principles, BIM modeling, and computer programming into a unified optimization framework.
• Development and validation of the BIM-based optimization model through 11 case studies.

Main Results:

• The developed BIM model successfully automated the design optimization process.
• Structural material costs were reduced by up to 15% per floor in case studies.
• The optimization achieved cost reduction without compromising essential space requirements.

Conclusions:

• The advanced BIM model offers an effective solution for optimizing building designs.
• Automated optimization through BIM can significantly reduce construction costs and improve design efficiency.
• This approach supports the creation of more cost-effective and functionally sound architectural designs.