A Bim-Based Automatic Design Optimization Method for Modular Steel Structures: Rectangular Modules as an Example

Abstract

During the promotion of the modular steel structure in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, building information modeling (BIM) is leveraged to integrate the design process into the whole construction sequence. The absence of standards and interactive, tech-friendly tools for project participants limits the general implementation of the BIM-based design process. The present study proposes an automatic design optimization method based on the BIM platform for modular steel structures. The method consists of digital modeling sequences that contain data exchange between different software applications and the program of structural design optimization. A prototype workflow of the method is explained and assessed in a case study to indicate its reliability and practicability. The proposed design coheres with common design rules and enhances the utilization rate of column structure by 40–50% with minimal redundancy compared to initial designs. The proposed method is also discussed through interviews with and surveys of engineers working in the AEC industry in terms of its potential adoption in actual projects. The discussion shows that this method can reduce the time consumption of the model creation and optimization of modular steel structures effectively. Special knowledge of the relevant software is no longer a hindrance for engineers.