Automated Evaluation of Alternative Solutions of Building Design

Abstract

The purpose of this article -is to create theoretical model in order to enable in automated manner to compare different solutions of building, its part or structure design and to select the best alternative under specific circumstances. Summarizing variant design theory and practice applications in Lithuania and abroad, evaluation model of alternative design solutions is created. By assistance of this model it will be possible to evaluate design solutions which can be characterized by quantitative and qualitative indicators which possibly have different weight, dimention and direction of optimization (maksimization or minimization). Automated alternatives' evaluation working principle is demonstrated by selecting the best facade system to cover the building. For this purpose four building facades alternatives is under consideration. It is soundly described how all stages of alternatives comparison is performed and which multiple criteria evaluation methods can be applied by selecting the best alternative. KEYWORDSAutomated evaluation, theoretical model, facade system, multiple criteria evaluation methods INTRUDUCTIONUsually the lifecycle of every building covers the following stages: generation of idea (predesign proposals), design, construction, maintenance, reconstruction (if possible) and demolition (disposal). Some authors (O'Sullivan etc) [1] distinguished life-cycle elements otherwise (see Fig 1) but nevertheless one of the most important stages remaines the building design preparation. On building design depends forthcoming: construction technology, terms and price of construction, aesthetical view and performance of building (usage term, lifecycle costs, quality of life level), environmental impact during building demolition, and also other features. How to take the right design solution? In many cases it is not possible to do that from the first time. Therefore, one have to look through many alternatives. Just after analysis of all advantages and disadvantages of different design solutions and their magnitude it is possible to say which solution of building (or its part) design is the best. Procedure mentioned seems very simple in this regard, however many labour expenditures are needed.The goals to be achieved in this contribution are as following:• to carry out a survey on building design processes;• to survey previous attempts assessing building design alternatives;• to suggest and describe assessment methodology to compare building design alternatives;• to gain qualitative and quantitative information on some building design options;• to perform calculations comparing different building design alternatives of particular building structure;• to present conclusions about suitability of suggested methodology. IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING DESIGN PROCESSGlobally, scientists-engineers are trying to solve many different problems in building design stage.Wen [2] analysed structural failures in recent earthquakes and hurricanes. The author has exposed the weakness of current design procedures and shown th...