Abstract
An integrated design approach for the cost and embodied carbon optimisation of reinforced concrete structures is presented in this paper to inform early design decisions. A BIM-based optimisation approach that utilises Finite Element Modelling (FEM) and a multi-objective genetic algorithm with constructability constraints is established for that purpose. A multilevel engineering analysis model is developed to perform structural layout optimisation, slab and columns sizing optimisation, and slab and columns reinforcement optimisation. The overall approach is validated using real buildings and the relationships between cost and carbon optimum solutions are explored. The study exhibits how cost effective and carbon efficient solutions could be obtained without compromising the feasibility of the optimised designs. Results demonstrate that the structural layout and the slab thickness are amongst the most important design optimisation parameters. Finally, the overall analysis suggests that the building form can influence the relationships between cost and carbon for the different structural components.
Highlights
Structural engineers have traditionally concentrated on the cost efficiency of their designs
For the purposes of this study the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) algorithm was modified in C# using the API of RSA to accept Finite Element Modelling (FEM) data and it is based on two objective functions that involve embodied carbon emissions and cost of the structure
In Case Study 1 (CS1) (Fig. 10a, b) larger trade-offs are observed between the slab and columns cost and carbon performance when compared with the trade-offs obtained in Case Study 2 (CS2) (Fig. 10c, d)
Summary
Structural engineers have traditionally concentrated on the cost efficiency of their designs. In flat slab structural systems which are widely used by practitioners, understanding the relationships between cost and carbon optimum solutions for the entire structure as well as for the different structural components such as slabs, columns, structural grids can provide useful insights for early stage sustainable design decisions. The use of BIM by practitioners could act as a driver for novel optimisation paradigms that deliver more integrated structural optimisation approaches offering a better understanding of the interactions between the structural components and the rest of the building systems To address these limitations, the paper examines a BIMintegrated optimisation approach to simultaneously assess the cost and carbon performance of RC building structures with flat slabs and columns which is a very common building typology.
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