Building Information Modelling- (BIM-) Based Generative Design for Drywall Installation Planning in Prefabricated Construction

In prefabricated construction, building components are manufactured off-site before shipping to the site for installation. Accurate design and planning are essential for smooth on-site execution and improved efficiency, which requires evaluations of various design options. However, due to the design process’s complexity, such evaluations cannot be achieved without automation and optimization. Meanwhile, the recent advancement of digital design technologies (e.g., building information modelling (BIM)) has enabled flexibility in the design process. The integration of BIM with other analytical algorithms also allows optimization of designs, such as the generative design that can parametrize the design. This study proposes a generative design approach that utilizes the optimization of the drywall installation layout to improve overall project efficiency. The framework includes a decision support module that considers environmental, cost, and aesthetic aspects to identify the optimal layout. The framework’s practical applicability has been successfully demonstrated through a case study. After implementation, three “best” design alternatives were found according to the decision aspects. The design improvements achieved were 37.5%, 7%, and 54% for the environmental, cost, and aesthetic factors, respectively. Accordingly, practitioners can make better decisions on planning drywall projects. This approach has proven effective in planning drywall installation and can be applied in similar design scenarios for other prefabricated construction processes.

Estimation of Muscle Contraction Forces and Joint Reaction Forces at the Low Back and Shoulder during Drywall Installation

Construction workers performing drywall installation are exposed to a variety of ergonomic hazards, including heavy material handling, repetitive motions and awkward postures. The rates of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders among drywall installers are very high, especially at the low back and shoulder. The unique characteristics of the work environment in the construction industry do not allow for applying objective ergonomic assessment instruments. Thus, biomechanical models and computer simulations were combined for a more comprehensive evaluation of ergonomic hazards. Utilizing Monte-Carlo simulation to generate the input for biomechanical models based on information from PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling), a work-sampling based approach, the present study estimated the required muscle contraction forces and joint reaction forces at the low back and shoulder during a simulated 8-hour drywall installation workday. The results of this study also provided a database for future evaluations of ergonomic interventions on drywall installation work.