Towards intelligent structural design of buildings: A BIM-based solution

Abstract

Despite the unprecedented permeation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and collaboration platforms, architects and structural engineers, for the most part, act as separate entities. That is, linking architectural models with that of structural engineers remains labour-intensive and cumbersome; structural engineers can generate few alternatives for any given architectural model. This paper is an attempt to address these problems. It provides an automated procedure, computational details and the configuration of toolsets in the form of a proof of concept (PoC) prototype that: binds architectural models with structural ones for tall buildings; automatically generates and updates alternatives for structural models, based on the input extracted from the architectural model; and provides engineers with an optimum design that fulfils the set criteria. The prototype is developed based on an initial need assessment study -to determine the requirements of practitioners. The practicality of the solution is assessed in a case project. The paper contributes to the field by presenting ones of the first solutions capable of automated generation of optimised structural design based on architectural models. Designed for tall buildings to incorporate immense complexity, the solution acts as a blueprint in developing similar systems for simpler buildings.

“Intelligent” Technical Guidelines for Chongqing East Railway Station Building and Supporting Hub Area

“…A platform should be built to enhance the business management capabilities of the East Station construction unit. e BIM data resources should be integrated and managed, model construction standards should be established, and relevant standards and process requirements should be organized through BIM simulation to form a construction technology library to realize multidimensional dynamic clarification and process standard navigation [4][5][6][7].…”

Architectural Design Exploration Using Generative Design: Framework Development and Case Study of a Residential Block

“…Because this is a prerequisite of the effective use of generative design, these challenges need to be addressed (e.g., through BIM integration [13] or master models [19]). The integration of a BIM-based approach can also be applicable from a perspective of providing input data to a generative design approach, similar to that suggested by Salimzadeh et al [14] or Hamidavi et al [15]. Using BIM data as inputs could potentially be a powerful tool during later stages of design, once BIM models have already been created by other disciplines.…”

“…Their proposal leverages object data in BIM models such that surface-specific conditions can be incorporated in the generation of PV module layouts, showing how BIM data can be incorporated as input to a generative design approach. A related concept can be found in Hamidavi et al [15], where they investigated the link between architects and structural engineers by proposing an automatic generation and optimization of structural models based on input data gathered from architectural models. Their study provides valuable insights into the potential usage of a generative design approach by linking models from multiple disciplines and how constraints derived from traditionally labor-intensive tasks can be alleviated by performing automatic generation based on those links.…”

Relational Contracting and Its Combination With the Bim Methodology in Mitigating Asymmetric Information Problems in Construction Projects

“…Therefore, the interdependence between all the participants in the sector is extended and direct, starting with the project and then with planning/management, construction, and maintenance (Piroozfar et al, 2019). IPD, thought a relatively new and still evolving project delivery system, emphasises on the involvement of key participants, relationships, collaboration and the pursuit of mutual goals (Hamidavi et al, 2020). Nevertheless, evidence shows that few projects adopt IPD, due cultural, financial, legal and technological barriers (Teng et al, 2017).…”