Reliability-Constrained Structural Design Optimization Using Visual Programming in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Projects

Abstract

Providing safe, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective designs is the primary duty of civil engineers. To this end, many different algorithms and methods have been developed in parallel with the progress of digital technologies over the past decades. Techniques such as AI-based Metaheuristic Algorithms (MAs), Reliability Analysis, and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are some of those methods that serve this purpose. The present study focuses on establishing a design optimization methodology by implementing the techniques in the open literature on one software environment to create a robust engineering and architectural workflow. The methodology involves multiple stages such as (i) creating parametric trusses employing Visual Programming (VP) software Dynamo (Version: 3.0.4); (ii) performing a First-order Reliability Method (FORM) analysis which includes a Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis as a Limit State Function (LSF); (iii) employing MAs to achieve optimum design variables under uncertain design constraints; (iv) testing the methodology with various real-word examples and scenarios; (v) creating an optimized model on Robot Structural Analysis 2024 (RSA) software in real time in the purpose of further adjustments. The results demonstrated that creating a design optimization workflow by utilizing a BIM environment can enhance the design process by easing the storing, sharing, and utilizing of design data by different branches capable of performing different complicated tasks successfully.