Automated clash-free optimization of steel reinforcement in RC frame structures using building information modeling and two-stage genetic algorithm

Abstract

Steel reinforcement design in practices is performed at individual member level with little considerations of member-member intersections, which results in reinforcement overlaps and congestion. This paper presents a new approach based on building information modeling (BIM) and two-stage genetic algorithms (GA) to automatically optimize the clash-free steel reinforcement design. The approach considers reinforcement overlaps and congestion in beam-column joints and extracts 3D spatial information from design BIM models to underpin the automated clash-free optimization. The beam-column intersections are classified into appropriate categories such as T and cross joints, following by the generation of a clash-free reinforcement layout using the first-stage GA. Given the clash-free layout, the second-stage optimization is conducted using a hybrid GA and Hooke & Jeeves algorithm to calculate the optimal diameter combination of steel reinforcements (with minimum provided steel reinforcement area). An example is provided to illustrate the proposed BIM and two-stage GA based optimization method.