​Integration of Computational Design in Construction practices to create

repurposed prefabricated construction workflow

Keywords​: Computational Design, Prefabrication, Novel Construction, Optimised workflow,

Algorithmic design

1. Introduction

The growth and spread of computational design marked a “computational turn” in architectural
design that revolutionized the traditional design processes, which were heavily based on manual
drafting tasks, thus challenging and renovating the previous architectural design conventions and
praxis. Nearly every architecture office employs this practice, whether it’s for 3D modeling or
documentation.

Our paper is based on the project idea that tries to bridge the gap between architects, designers,
BIM Modelers and Construction Project Managers, effectively integrating the architectural and
construction processes by innovating the way design is approached from conception till
execution, and optimised from a construction perspective. ​This ​Paper aims to explore and
research the possibility of ​applying advanced computational design tools as a disruptive
methodology in the BIM design paradigm that merges the potentialities of CD, Algorithmic
design, and Project Management.

2. Methods

In the present scenario, BIM is an effective tool for modelling and basic documentation of design
information, presuming a specific mode of construction. Our idea targets the different tiers of
workflow, from the pre design and design phase till the execution phase.

2.1 Design Phase

During the design phase, we plan to focus on the optimisation of building and its elements shape
keeping the material usage, resource availability, location, cost of material and construction and
building bye-laws as our design constraints. The motive will be to minimise the usage of

Integration of Computational Design in Construction practices

to create repurposed prefabricated construction workflow 1
non-standard precast elements and create an optimal core efficiency to ensure the structural
integrity while using precast elements. This also helps in achieving Joints minimization based on
precast fabrication limitations. Based on this, the architect and the client will be able to see the
impact of their design decision on the cost of the project and they’ll be able to conform their
design to the prefabrication constraints defined.

Figure 1, 2, 3, 4: Visual scripting for small precast project standard elements optimization

2.2 Post-Design Phase

Our main point of interest lies in the post design phase. After the design is completed, BIM
Modelers convert these drawings into a model, which is then used to generate the Bill of
Quantities (BOQ). But until now, BOQs were manually generated from a BIM model by
converting every possible element - both standard and non-standard, into a distinct object. Then
cost is analysed, which is variable since the mode and method of construction might change.

This process can be automated and enhanced using computational design techniques with an
exclusive algorithm by which the architect or modeler is able to extract BOQs for a building and
for different methods of Construction.
A comparative study is done for both precast construction and conventional construction. In this

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study two main factors are considered for the comparative study. They are time and cost. In any
construction project, time and cost are the most important factors as any delay in the project
affect these factors directly.

Figure 5: Graphs for time and cost comparison between conventional and precast
construction methods

The proposed Algorithmic plugin will be integrated with the BIM platform and will consist of
defined precast materials and their dimensions. It will automatically convert all the building
elements (Walls, Columns, Beams etc.) into objects and will sort all the modular elements from
the non-modular ones based on these predefined informations. Then the architect can decide
whether to continue with such design or can opt to convert and split them into standardized
precast elements.

3. Results and Discussions

This project will try to focus on three major issues faced during building design and construction
in the following way:

● Reduction in the overall construction cost by devising systematic and efficient

construction project workflow and schedules.
● Decreasing the time taken for design and construction by automating the laborious
processes and cutting down on non-modular design elements.
● Ultimately, reduce the wastage of materials generated during construction.

Another application of our project will be to aid the site supervisors and managers to efficiently
handle the execution of the building project by generating schedules to map the construction
timetable in real-time using CD and Artificial Intelligence.

Integration of Computational Design in Construction practices

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4. Conclusion

By the proposed project, architects, contractors and clients will get an opportunity to explore the
possibility of an expedited, cost effective and minimal waste construction method. ​Moving
forward, we plan to give special emphasis on applying this methodology in precast and
prefabricated construction technology. ​Furthermore, as discussed in the paper, Generative
Design techniques can be used for optimization of precast joints, and material usage.

With further research in disruptive methodologies for integration of computational design with
construction method analysis, digital fabrication can be made affordable with lower wastage and
faster construction.

5. References

Research Article
Matej Špak . 2016 . Comparison of Conventional and Advanced Concrete Technologies in terms
of Construction Efficiency

Journal Article
Inês Caetano . 2018 . Integration of an algorithmic BIM approach in a traditional architecture
studio

Book
Dr. Shailesh Kr. Agrawal . 2017 . Emerging Construction Systems for Mass Housing

Journal Article
Vermeulen , Ayoubi . 2020 . Using Generative Design in Construction Applications

Journal Article
Cichocka J.M. , Musikhina E.A. 2014 . Methods of Optimization

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Integration of Computational Design in Construction practices
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