The Modification of A* Pathfinding Algorithm for Building Mechanical, Electronic and Plumbing (MEP) Path

Abstract

This paper introduces a modified A* pathfinding algorithm that can be used in building Mechanical Electronic Plumbing (MEP) path design by revising nodes selection process and post-processing. The pathfinding algorithm is used when a computer calculates the optimal path in a given space by algorithmizing how humans intuitively calculate the optimal path. As construction technology is gradually advancing, buildings with large and complex internal structures are increasing, so there is a need to automatically optimize existing design methods that rely on human intuition for a more efficient design. In the case of building MEP design, it is time and money consuming to design paths since they are complexly arranged throughout the building, and designs are frequently changed in response to the nature of the construction industry, where construction errors are frequent. Therefore, an MEP path design optimization module, MEPAutoroute, was developed by implementing a modified A* pathfinding algorithm to solve these problems. Algorithm was applied to seven different exemplary structures with MEP equipment, and the results are analyzed to determine its efficiency.