PurposeModular construction is widely adopted and used in the construction industry to improve construction performance with respect to both efficiency and productivity. The evaluation of design options for modular construction can be iterative, and thus automation is required to develop design alternatives. This research aims to explore the potential of utilizing the generative design approach to automate modular construction for residential building structures in urban areas such as New York City.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed research methodology is investigated for a systematic approach to parametrize design parameters for modular construction layout design as well as incorporate design rules/parameters into modularizing design layouts in a Building Information Modeling (BIM) environment. Based on current building codes and necessary inputs by the user, the proposed approach enables providing recommendations in a generative design method and optimizes construction processes by performing analytical calculations.FindingsThe generative design has been found to be efficient in generating layout designs for modular construction based on parametric design. The integration of BIM and generative design can allow industry practitioners to fast generate design layout with evaluations from constructability perspectives.Originality/valueThis paper has proposed a new approach of incorporating generative design with BIM technologies to solve module layout generations by considering design and constructability constraints. The method can be further extended for evaluating modular construction design from manufacturability and assembly perspectives.
Polyurea is a polymeric material that can be used to provide environmental protection and structural enhancement. In this study, a low modulus polyurea coating, having high elongation and energy absorption capacities and a fast gel time, was sprayed under field conditions onto the surfaces of High-Performance Cementitious Composites (HPC2). Flexure tests were conducted to measure toughness so that predictions could be made regarding the impact performance of two uncoated and coated matrices: one containing Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) as the only aggregate, the other with Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) fibers added for reinforcement. Results from the flexure tests showed that encapsulation by plain polyurea increased the flexural strength of specimens by at least 60%. Results from drop-weight tests showed that the PVA fibers helped to improve impact resistance. A visible reduction in damage was seen when polyurea was applied to one surface; more so by coating the tension side opposite the striker. Coating both surfaces further increased impact resistance.
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