The optimized form of building made from the reused elements

ABSTRACT

A resource-effective society considers a circular economy, and this attitude enters the construction industry as well. Various circular building approaches and strategies are introduced to promote a circular economy. However, the design process is complex because it evolves from available components. To address such a gap, in this article, we address design adjustments with the aim of maximizing the reusing of components from an architectural viewpoint, utilizing an applied research method. To achieve the goal, mathematical programming is suggested to make the best use of available components bearing a system approach in circular design in mind. The objective function is the allocation of reclaimed building materials and the decision variables are the needed components. The issue was categorized as integer nonlinear programming (INLP) solved for global optimality utilizing a genetic algorithm (GA). Design variants define different component allocations; thus, the optimum allocation defines the evolved design. Mathematical programming permits defining component allocation variants and the constraints associated with the project. The result of optimization defines the optimum allocation; consequently, it defines the evolved design. The presented procedure is an innovative method that aims to simplify the complexity associated with adjusting the design based on available components. It promotes procurement efficiency because it makes the best use of available material. Moreover, the minimum energy consumption for transportation due to local material usage leads to reuse efficiency.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainability
• circular economy
• resource efficiency
• reuse
• means-oriented design

Acknowledgements

There are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).