Rausch, C; Sanchez, B and Haas, C (2021) Topology optimization of architectural panels to minimize waste during fabrication: Algorithms for panel unfolding and nesting. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147(7): 2089, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
The need to optimize the geometry and topology of construction components and assemblies can often be framed as combinatorial optimization problems (COPs). Such COPs occur throughout construction and are particularly relevant in architectural panel systems, given the complexity of panel topology, large component quantity in most projects, and the need to reduce waste produced during fabrication. The contribution of this paper is the development of novel combinatorial optimization algorithms for unfolding and nesting panels: a process that is central to realizing a fully automated and optimized file-to-factory system. The first algorithm for panel unfolding explores both enumerative and metaheuristic optimization to determine circumstances and applications where each are favorable. Then, a modified two-dimensional (2D) cutting stock algorithm using metaheuristics is developed for deriving optimal nest configurations. The combination of these novel algorithms is shown to produce 11% less fabrication waste in a case study for a typical residential construction project.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | combinatorial optimization; digital fabrication; genetic algorithm; metaheuristics; offsite manufacturing; prefabrication; simulated annealing; two-dimensional cutting stock |
| Index terms: | geometry, case study, residential construction, prefabrication, fabrication, genetic algorithm, digital fabrication, optimization algorithm, configuration, simulated annealing, topology, complexity |
| Subjects: | building construction, systems engineering, information systems, manufacturing engineering, geometry and topology, algorithms, construction integration, data collection methods, mathematical modelling |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here