Automated Optimization of Longitudinal Tensile Reinforcement in RC Beam Using Binary PSO Algorithm

Automation is currently inadequate in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. The entire workflow of architectural design is based on manual computation or semi-automation computer software. Design of longitudinal tensile reinforcement is a crucial and essential task in designing reinforced concrete (RC) beam. This paper presents a framework using a binary particle swarm optimization algorithm (BPSO) to automatically design of longitudinal tensile reinforcement in RC beam. The optimization framework will select the required longitudinal bars, such as the type, number and diameter of the reinforcement by minimizing the area of the reinforcement. Meanwhile, buildability constraints and industry design codes (GB50010-2010) are considered in the framework. The experimental results show that the result of automatic optimization meets the requirement of reinforcement design, and the whole calculation process is fast, efficient and achieves the expected goal.