In modern building management, ensuring the long-term performance and efficiency of infrastructure requires a strategic approach to maintenance that minimizes downtime while maximizing system reliability and cost-effectiveness. The challenge of balancing these conflicting objectives—such as minimizing maintenance downtime, maximizing the time between interventions, optimizing resource usage, and maintaining safety standards—forms the core of this study.
The design of our integrated community reflects a carefully considered integration of key civil systems, each system serving essential functions for the neighborhood’s residents, from the RC office building, timber dormitories, steel residential buildings, to the steel-framed water supply facility. Meanwhile, we focus on reducing the environmental impact by introducing integrated maintenance strategy and optimization. In this project, we have performed a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of the buildings, particularly focusing on their carbon footprints and associated total costs. The scope of the LCA includes the pre-construction, construction, and operational phases including raw material extraction, material processing, fabrication, and operation and maintenance.
We also explored the integration of Multi-Objective Optimization (MOO) techniques with integrated maintenance strategies to address these challenges. By optimizing the scheduling and coordination of maintenance activities across interconnected systems, such as HVAC, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing), and structural components, this approach aims to achieve a harmonious balance between operational efficiency and system longevity. Specifically, the goal is to enhance the performance of building systems, reduce disruptions, and extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure while keeping operational costs in check.
Through MOO, we identify and analyze the trade-offs between competing objectives, such as reducing maintenance durations and improving system reliability through the use of LCA. The optimization process is guided by data-driven insights and engineering analysis, enabling a more informed decision-making process that considers material degradation rates, system interdependencies, and industry standards. By applying this approach to our vibrant community, this report shows how integrated maintenance together with optimization techniques can lead to more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective operations.
| Main Page | Introduction | Integration Context of the Civil Systems | Integrated Maintenance Strategies | Life Cycle Analysis | Multi-Objective Optimization | Engineering Reflections and Recommendation |