Automated reinforcement trim waste optimization in RC frame structures using building information modeling and mixed-integer linear programming

Construction of RC frame requires a considerable amount of reinforcement steel bars. Shaping market length rebars to get design lengths leads to the production of waste. The purpose of this research is to optimize the use of available market length rebars in such a way that will generate the least possible waste. Accordingly, Building Information Modeling (BIM) based automated framework integrated with Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) has been presented in this article. This methodology involves extracting reinforcement detailing data automatically during the design phase using BIM. Then, implementing the column generation algorithm to generate only necessary cutting patterns. Then, optimizing the use of market length rebars by applying the MILP approach. An RC frame of a three-storied building has been analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed framework. The results show that a substantial amount of trim waste reduction can be achieved quickly and efficiently by the suggested method.

Automated summary

This research aims to optimize the use of market length rebars in RC frame construction by proposing an automated framework based on BIM and MILP. By automatically extracting reinforcement detailing data and generating necessary cutting patterns, the proposed method efficiently reduces trim waste in a cost-effective manner.