Augmented BIM based taxonomy for steel design systems: An integrated evolutionary computational approach

Within the building industry, approximately 45% of the total material usage arises from the consumption of steel and concrete in construction. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the flow of interactions between materials, processes and activities within buildings’ lifecycle in order to meet national and global environmental emissions’ targets (IbnMohammed et al, 2013). The present research investigates the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of structural systems though a more efficient use of materials. The main objective of this study is to explore and to develop a novel approach that utilises Building Information Modelling’s (BIM) capabilities combined with advanced structural analysis and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as well as with a two-staged automated search engine that considers structural efficient and environmentally responsible steel I-beams.