Structures & Artificial Intelligence

Conceptual design of structures using machine learning

Dr. Kanyilmaz and his team in Politecnico di Milano developed and validated a computer-assisted tool based on Non-dominated Sorted Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) that can be used to analyse a wide range of safe, economical and ecological options for the conceptual design of buildings.

Video showing how the AI-tool works.

The design space starts from a design brief (with only a little information about the site characteristics and project objectives). The solutions are explored with the material, grid size, floor type, lateral resistance, and foundation system variables. In a short computational time (< 2 min per run), users are provided with a Pareto graph of a large set of feasible solutions (in terms of cost, embodied CO2 emissions and free space) that an engineer would not be typically able to evaluate within a traditional conceptual design process. More details can be read in the following articles:

Kanyilmaz A., Tichell P.R.N., Loiacono D., A genetic algorithm tool for conceptual structural design with cost and embodied carbon optimization (2022) Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 112, art. no. 104711, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2022.104711
Kanyilmaz A., Dang V., Kondratenko A., How does conceptual design impact the cost and carbon footprint of structures?, Structures, Volume 58, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2023.105102

Image classification using conventional neural networks

Dr. Kanyilmaz and his team have been developing a convolutional neural network tool that is capable of assessing the images for several criteria i.e. corrosion, damage, connection type. The objective of the tool is to support the engineers and architects while giving re-use/recycle decisions.

Video showing how the automated decision making tool works.

More details can be read in the following articles:

Kanyilmaz, A., Birhane, M., Fishwick, R., Castillo C.. Reuse of Steel in the Construction Industry: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Steel Struct (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-023-00778-4

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