Automated Optimization of Steel Reinforcement in RC Building Frames Using BIM and Hybrid GA

Abstract

Design of steel reinforcement is an important and necessary task for designing reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Currently, steel reinforcement design is performed manually or semi-automatically using computer software such as ETABS, with reference to building codes. These methods are time consuming and sometimes error-prone. With the aid of advanced BIM technology, steel reinforcement design could be automated for fast, economical and error-free procedures.This paper presents a BIM-based framework for automated optimization of steel reinforcement in RC building frame using developed three-stage hybrid genetic algorithm (GA). Optimization includes selection and alignment of steel reinforcement in RC building frame for the minimum steel reinforcement area, including longitudinal and shear/confinement steel reinforcement. The first and second stages optimize the longitudinal reinforcement while the final stage optimizes the shear/confinement steel reinforcement incorporating design code (BS8110) and buildability constraints. A three-storey RC building frame is analysed to check the applicability of the developed optimization framework and its improvement over current design approaches. The results show that the developed optimization framework can minimize the steel reinforcement area quickly. Automated 2D view of RC elements is then created to visualize the optimized steel reinforcement results.