Introduction
The design of a one-story reinforced concrete residential building is optimized by adjusting column spacing to reduce material usage while maintaining structural stability. A parametric model developed in Dynamo (Figure 1) allows for dynamic modifications to key design elements, including column spacing, slab thickness, and beam dimensions. This approach enhances flexibility in design exploration, improving efficiency and structural performance.
Figure 1
Primary goals
- Minimize the volume of reinforced concrete used in the building.
- Ensure that structural elements (columns, beams, and slab) meet established criteria for bending resistance, load capacity, and deflection limits.
Key Parameters
- Grid_Length (L) and Grid_Width (W) of the building
- Span-to-Effective Depth Ratio
- Beam Height and Width
- Column Shape and Dimensions
- Frame and Slab System
- Loading
Design challenge
- Larger column spacing reduces material usage but may compromise the building’s stability and structural integrity.
- Smaller column spacing enhances stability but results in increased material consumption, impacting cost and sustainability.
high-performance criteria
Considering this challenge for our system, the following criteria have been defined:
- Material Usage
- Structural Stability
Design Alternatives
Various design alternatives have been explored to balance material efficiency and structural stability. Table 1 presents different options, comparing key parameters such as beam width and depth, slab thickness, and column dimensions. Some alternatives reduce concrete volume but fail to meet structural criteria, while others achieve stability with higher material consumption. Evaluating these options helps identify an optimal configuration that maintains both efficiency and integrity.
Table 1
