Framework for minimizing aluminum waste during the design stage using BIM-based optimization

Abstract

ABSTRACT Though design-related waste significantly contributes to construction inefficiency, most strategies still prioritize recycling rather than rather than waste prevention during the design stage. This study presents a BIM-based optimization workflow that shifts part of the responsibility on material efficiency from production engineers to architects. A tool, called Smart Trimming Solution (STS), has been developed for use during the design stage to minimize aluminum waste without requiring specialized expertise. STS integrates a Column Generation approach to solve the cutting stock problem within the BIM environment and uses a newly introduced indicator, called Architectural Design Waste Index ( I wa ), to quantify waste across design alternatives. A case study of administrative building project is presented to elucidate and verify the applicability of the proposed workflow. In the case study, STS is used to evaluate under identical optimization conditions the original design and alternative design scenarios within stakeholder-defined architectural tolerance limits. This has resulted in an alternative design with design-induced waste of 16,230 mm rather than 182,985 mm for the original design. The presented workflow is adaptable and can be extended to other materials and waste-conscious decisions at the design stage.