Streamlining Decarbonized Construction through Automated Design and Drafting: Ribbed Precast Concrete Panels
Creators: Wei, Yu
Publisher: name: University of Alberta Library
Year: 2023

<p>The use of precast concrete panels in panelized construction has gained popularity due to their numerous advantages. However, conventional precast designs encounter challenges, such as high costs, limited flexibility, and restrictions in remodelling. To address these issues, this research introduces the 3i RPCPS (Intelligent, Innovative, and Integrated Ribbed Precast Concrete Panel System). The 3i RPCPS incorporates two-way ribs to provide structural support and achieves a notable reduction in concrete usage (by 60% to 70%). Nevertheless, this innovation necessitates a complex fabrication system involving moulds and formwork, underscoring the importance of precision in shop drawing. This research emphasizes the essential role of BIM in generating detailed shop drawings and fabrication information for precast concrete components. However, this manufacturing-centric BIM model exposes limitations associated with relying solely on traditional methods in the design and drafting processes. It particularly highlights challenges related to repetitive drafting tasks and potential rework due to human errors. Additionally, the conventional drafting approach complicates revisions when design requirements change, resulting in time-consuming and intricate modifications. Aligned with the principles of lean construction, which aims to eliminate waste and improve efficiency, this thesis identifies time-consuming drafting as a bottleneck in the overall project delivery process and is considered a non-value-added activity from the perspective of projects’ owners. Consequently, this raises the urgent need for automation in the design and drafting of 3i RPCPS. To address these challenges, the developed methodology introduces a computer model named ConcreteX, developed as an add-on to Revit using the C# programming language. ConcreteX integrates BIM technology and Revit&#39;s parametric modelling capabilities, incorporating manufacturing requirements within a 3D model. This integration allows for the generation of shop and fabrication drawings. To demonstrate the efficiency achieved through automation, a study was conducted to compare the time consumption of model generation between manual and automated processes. A simulation model was developed to further analyze the benefits of ConcreteX within the broader context of the project delivery process. The results illustrate significant time savings in the design and drafting processes, validating the effectiveness of the developed methodology.<br>
Overall, this thesis introduces the innovative ribbed precast concrete panel system known as “3i RPCPS”; meanwhile, it highlights the need and benefits for automation in design and drafting processes in residential building construction. The elegant design of 3i RPCPS not only effectively addresses the challenges of high costs, limited flexibility, and remodelling constraints, thereby compensating for the complexities of the forming system, but also establishes a solid foundation for automating the drafting process. ConcreteX showcases the potential of BIM technology and parametric modelling in streamlining the generation of a manufacturing-centric BIM model, ultimately enhancing efficiency and reducing waste. It emphasizes automation across three levels of drawing: permit drawings, shop drawings, and installation guidelines.</p>